Nasty Nestor nixes Red Sox: Cortes dazzles in Yankees rotation return

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Nestor Cortes bolstered his case for a permanent spot in the Yankees’ starting rotation with a standout performance in the series opener against the Red Sox. The former All-Star allowed just one run over five innings, setting the tone for a 2-1 extra-innings victory at Yankee Stadium.

This start followed a dominant relief outing in which Cortes delivered 4 1/3 innings of no-hit ball to secure a win against the Cubs at Wrigley Field.

After Thursday’s game, Cortes reflected on his recent remarks about the role change. He acknowledged that his initial reaction to the bullpen move may have come across as forceful but emphasized his dedication to the team’s goals. The Yankees LHP reiterated his willingness to pitch wherever needed, whether as a starter or reliever, as the Yankees push toward postseason contention.

“I’m just trying to go out there and throw up as many zeroes as I can,” Cortes said. “I know last week I might have come off like I was asking for too much, but I got my point across, and at the end of the day, I’m going to do whatever this team needs for me to do to win. The goal, we have it in sight, and we’re two weeks away. All we want to do is win ballgames and get to October. Whether that’s out of the bullpen or starting, I’m going to be there for the team.”

Earlier in the week, Cortes had already begun adjusting his perspective, walking back comments about feeling “upset” by the bullpen assignment, a shift made to accommodate Clarke Schmidt’s return from injury. The Yankees star assured that he is prepared to embrace any role manager Aaron Boone assigns him, underscoring his adaptability and commitment to helping the Yankees win down the stretch and into October.

With Clarke Schmidt’s return, the Yankees are now armed with a deep rotation featuring six capable starters: Nestor Cortes, Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon, Marcus Stroman, Luis Gil, and Schmidt himself.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone spoke highly of Cortes, highlighting his competitive nature and ability to consistently exceed expectations throughout his career. Boone noted that Cortes’ prior success in relief influenced the decision to use him out of the bullpen recently but acknowledged his recent strong outings, including Thursday’s performance.

“Nestor likes competition. I think, in a lot of ways, Nestor always has been that guy who’s proved people wrong and had to earn everything he’s got,” the Yankees skipper told on Thursday. “He’s succeeded in that [relief] role before, so I figured in going with a one-off and going behind Clarke, a right-hander, bringing in Nestor was a good fit. 

But no confirmation for Cortes in Yankees rotation

Cortes, 29, has posted a 9-10 record with a 3.90 ERA this season, leading the Yankees with 168 1/3 innings pitched. Against the Red Sox, he delivered five strong innings, surrendering only three hits and one run—a solo homer by Danny Jansen in the fifth. The Yankees pitcher struck out nine and walked three, throwing 92 pitches and leaving the game tied at 1-1.

Initially frustrated by his reassignment to the bullpen, Cortes has since softened his stance, focusing on contributing to the team’s success in any capacity. “Obviously I was upset,” Nestor Cortes told following the Yankees’ 2-0 win at Wrigley Field. “I felt like I’ve been, amongst all the starters, the workhorse here. Once Cole went down [in spring training], they picked me to be the Opening Day starter — not necessarily the No. 1, but the Opening Day starter. I had to switch my routine there.”

Asked about his role for his next scheduled start, Cortes said he hadn’t received confirmation from the team. He plans to prepare as a starter but remains open to any adjustments the Yankees might make.

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