Nestor Cortes eyes World Series spot as Yankees near ALCS victory over Guardians

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New York Yankees starting pitcher Nestor Cortes is in consideration for a spot on the team’s World Series roster, should they advance, after facing live hitters in batting practice ahead of Game 5 of the American League Championship Series (ALCS) against the Cleveland Guardians.

Nestor Cortes, who has been sidelined since September 18 with a flexor strain in his elbow, could be a key asset in the World Series if the Yankees clinch their first pennant in 15 years.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Nestor Cortes is “very much in play” for a potential World Series role, according to MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch. The 29-year-old left-hander finished the regular season with a 9-10 record, a 3.77 ERA, and a 1.15 WHIP in 31 appearances. He could provide depth as a long reliever, offering a left-handed option in a Yankees bullpen that currently only has Tim Hill and Tim Mayza as southpaws.

The Yankees have yet to call upon a starting pitcher in relief this postseason, though Marcus Stroman remains an option if Carlos Rodon struggles early in Game 5. Stroman, who went 10-9 with a 4.31 ERA during the regular season, could retain his role, but Cortes would offer the Yankees more flexibility, especially if they face a team like the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series, with dangerous left-handed hitters like Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts.

Yankees on the verge of World Series berth

The Yankees hold a commanding 3-1 series lead over the Guardians and can clinch the ALCS in Game 5 at Progressive Field in Cleveland. They are coming off an 8-6 victory in Game 4, which followed a 7-5 extra-inning loss in Game 3. The back-and-forth nature of the series has left Yankees reliever Tommy Kahnle bracing for another intense matchup.

“The emotions are a true rollercoaster,” Kahnle said, according to MLB.com. “We’ve had plenty of crazy games with Cleveland in the postseason. I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s another one tonight.”

The Yankees nearly lost Game 4 after giving up a four-run lead in the seventh inning, but they held on to secure the win, putting them on the brink of their first World Series appearance since 2009.

One of the defining moments in Game 4 came in the ninth inning when Cleveland’s All-Star closer, Emmanuel Clase, gave up two critical runs. An error by Guardians shortstop Brayan Rocchio on a ground ball from Alex Verdugo allowed the Yankees to regain the lead. Gleyber Torres added an insurance run with an RBI single, giving New York a cushion they wouldn’t relinquish.

After the game, Yankees manager Aaron Boone praised his team’s ability to bounce back following their Game 3 loss.

“Not surprised with these guys,” Boone said. “Obviously, last night was a really tough loss. And whatever happened today, win, lose, or draw, there’s no doubt in my mind we’d come out ready to roll, ready to turn the page. Not a perfect game, but a gritty, tough, winning game.”

Yankees’ offense dominates the series

The Yankees’ offense has been a dominant force throughout the series, powered by Aaron Judge, Juan Soto, and Giancarlo Stanton. The trio has combined for seven home runs and 14 RBIs across the first four games, boasting a 1.097 OPS. In Game 4, Stanton hit a three-run home run, while Soto launched a two-run shot in the first inning. Despite Cleveland’s efforts to rally, New York’s powerful bats proved too much to overcome.

With a 3-1 lead in the series, the Yankees are just one win away from returning to the World Series for the first time since 2009. If they can close out the Guardians in Game 5, Nestor Cortes could be a key figure in their championship pursuit.

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