Cleveland Guardians designated hitter Josh Naylor reacts after hitting a solo home run against the New York Yankees in the fourth inning during Game 4 of the ALDS for the 2022 MLB Playoffs at Progressive Field. Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Gerrit Cole calls Josh Naylor's baby-rocking celebration 'cute'

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 10/17/22

You've got to give Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole credit: He didn't let Josh Naylor's outlandish home run celebration get the better of him.

The Cleveland Guardians DH launched a solo shot off of Cole in Sunday's game and proceeded to mimic rocking a baby as he rounded the bases. As teammate Triston McKenzie recently revealed, Naylor makes the gesture as a symbol for "owning" pitchers he has taken yard.

This is wild.

Josh Naylor was rounding the bases rocking a baby and calling Gerrit Cole his son. I’m a fan of bat flips and celebrating your work, but don’t make it disrespectful. This is quite disrespectful.

pic.twitter.com/tJxN9UDJry
— Ben Verlander (@BenVerlander) October 17, 2022

Triston McKenzie talked about Josh Naylor's rocking the baby celebration earlier this month: "Nayls, when he hits homers off people, he calls them his son. Hence the rocking the baby as he runs around the bases."
— Mandy Bell (@MandyBell02) October 17, 2022

But when asked about the gesture after the game, Cole -- who pitched seven innings in New York's 4-2 victory -- let out a sigh and refused to give it too much credit.

"Whatever, it's cute," Cole deadpanned. "It wouldn't have bothered me in the moment. It's just kind of funny."

Gerrit Cole on Josh Naylor’s trip around the bases:

“Yeah. Whatever. It’s cute.” pic.twitter.com/InZMNELLxQ
— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) October 17, 2022

In addition to being applauded for taking the high road, Cole is still receiving kudos for his strong performance on the mound in Sunday's elimination game. He only allowed two earned runs and struck out eight before the bullpen took over and kept Cleveland from scoring another run.

The ALDS series now returns to Yankee Stadium for a decisive Game 5 on Monday evening.

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