Before the Yankees’ 1-2 loss to the Cubs on Sunday afternoon, manager Aaron Boone addressed Nestor Cortes’ frustrations about being shifted to a bullpen role.
Boone responds to Cortes’ comments
According to NY POST, Boone had no issues with Nestor Cortes’ comments on Saturday when the left-hander admitted he was “upset” about the move and felt like he had been the “workhorse” of the rotation. Cortes’ remarks came after he delivered 4⅓ no-hit innings in relief of Clarke Schmidt to secure a 2-0 win at Wrigley Field.
“I don’t need everyone to be happy with everything,” Boone said on Sunday morning before the series finale. “I want them wanting and expecting the best. Difficult decisions have to be made, and then it’s on all of us, the players, to go out there, do your job, and be a pro. That’s what we saw with Nestor on Saturday.
“Clearly, he wants to be starting, and there’s certainly a case for that. But we also saw a guy come out and excel in a low-scoring game, finishing off a great day for us on the mound. So no, I’m totally okay with that.”
Cortes to Return to Starting Role
Nestor Cortes, who pitched during the Yankees’ win against the Cubs on September 7, 2024, expressed his willingness to accept his role, stating: “You’re always going to get my best effort, no matter if I’m happy or not.” Despite being upset, Cortes emphasized his readiness to contribute wherever needed.
The plan is to insert Cortes back into the rotation later this week, likely on Friday against the Red Sox in The Bronx. The Yankees are using a six-man rotation for one turn before trimming down to five, a decision influenced by the recent return of Schmidt and Luis Gil from the injured list.
Entering Saturday, Cortes had pitched the most innings of any Yankees starter this season (159) with a 4.08 ERA across 28 starts. He looked sharp on Saturday, entering from the bullpen mid-inning and stranding an inherited runner at third.
“I’m not surprised he excelled in that role because he’s done that in the past,” Boone noted. “As we move forward, he’s going to play a big role for us, whether starting or coming in during a big situation to get important outs.”
Though Cortes voiced frustration over the decision to move him to the bullpen, his dominant performance in relief demonstrated his value to the team in any capacity.
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