Around the Empire: Yankees news - 9/8/21

NJ.com | Brendan Kuty: Yankees ace Gerrit Cole walked off the mound after experiencing left hamstring tightness during Tuesday’s start against the Blue Jays. Cole left in the fourth inning after giving up three runs. There are no MRIs scheduled at the time and both Cole and Aaron Boone are optimistic that he might not have to miss any time. Hopefully, the injury isn’t serious and won’t sideline the Cy Young candidate as the Yankees make their playoff push.

SI.com | Max Goodman: The Somerset Patriots can resume play at their home ballpark this weekend after flooding from Hurricane Ida forced the Patriots’ series against the Hartford Yard Goats to take place on the road. The historic storm and flash flooding left the Yankees’ Double-A affiliate with a completely submerged field and destroyed many players’ cars and personal belongings. Thanks to the tireless work of the Patriots’ ground crew, the team’s final home games of the year do not need to be played in an alternate stadium.

CBS Sports | Wajih AlBaroudi: Yankees No. 1 prospect Anthony Volpe hit an opposite-field bomb during the fourth inning of the High-A Hudson Valley Renegades’ game against the Greensboro Grasshoppers. Then, as Volpe crossed home plate, home plate umpire Tyler Witte ejected Volpe, allegedly for something Volpe supposedly said while rounding third. It’s unclear what Volpe said — or why he would be upset after hitting a homer — but Witte had a quick hook throughout the game. Renegades left fielder Elijah Dunham was also tossed by Witte in the team’s 23-4 win over Greensboro.

Lastly, in a small move that will pave the way for Luis Gil’s promotion today for a start against Toronto, the Yankees demoted fan favorite Brooks Kriske.