The New York Yankees are facing a significant setback as left-hander Nestor Cortes, who was set to start tonight’s pivotal game against the Baltimore Orioles, will now undergo an MRI on his pitching elbow, according to a report from YES Network’s Jack Curry.
ESPN has also confirmed this news, citing two sources with knowledge of the situation. This development puts Cortes’ postseason availability in serious doubt, just 10 days before the Yankees begin their playoff run.
Nestor Cortes’ recent performance and postseason role in jeopardy
Nestor Cortes has been crucial for the Yankees in recent weeks, posting impressive numbers with just one earned run allowed over 15 1/3 innings. His recent form had him in contention to start Game 3 of the postseason alongside Luis Gil and Clarke Schmidt. Although Schmidt’s return pushed Cortes down in the pecking order, the left-hander was still expected to play an important role in the bullpen as a multi-inning reliever, a role he has performed with success before his breakout as a starter in 2021. Now, with the MRI looming, Nestor Cortes’ role in the postseason is uncertain.
Curry also reported that right-hander Cody Poteet is likely on his way to Yankee Stadium as a potential replacement for Nestor Cortes. Poteet started four games earlier this season before being sidelined in June with a triceps strain. He was recently activated from the injured list and assigned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, where he threw 72 pitches in his latest outing. The Yankees could also turn to Marcus Stroman, who has recently shifted to the bullpen and last pitched eight days ago, throwing three innings in relief. If Poteet is called upon to start, the Yankees will need to create a spot on the active roster.
According to ESPN, Nestor Cortes was slated to start Wednesday night’s game as the Yankees aim to clinch the AL East title. However, the MRI has thrown his availability into doubt. The Yankees now face the possibility of turning to either Poteet or Stroman for the crucial start.
Nestor Cortes’ recent performances did not indicate any elbow issues. After a brief stint in the bullpen, Cortes returned to the rotation with three strong outings, including a hitless relief appearance against the Chicago Cubs, followed by nine strikeouts over five innings against the Boston Red Sox, and six scoreless innings against the Seattle Mariners. The 29-year-old has been a key figure for the Yankees this season, posting a 9-10 record with a 3.77 ERA over a team-leading 174 1/3 innings across 30 starts.
With Nestor Cortes now in limbo, the Yankees will have to reassess their pitching strategy heading into the postseason. While they have benefited from recent returns from the injured list, including Clarke Schmidt, Anthony Rizzo, and Luis Gil, this latest setback tests their depth at a critical time.
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