The New York Yankees are on the brink of securing the AL East title, but the team was dealt a blow on Wednesday with news of Néstor Cortes landing on the 15-day injured list. Cortes, who was originally scheduled to start in tonight’s pivotal matchup against the Baltimore Orioles, has been sidelined with a left elbow flexor strain, according to the team’s official announcement. The move is retroactive to September 22, meaning Cortes will be unavailable until at least October 5.
Nestor Cortes lands on 15-day IL
This setback complicates matters for the Yankees as they gear up for the postseason. While Nestor Cortes’ IL stint technically ends during the ALDS, league rules prohibit players from being added to the roster in the middle of a series unless replacing an injured player. If New York advances, Cortes would only be available for the ALDS midway through, assuming he replaces another injured player. Depending on the severity of the strain, however, there’s a chance his season could be over.
Cortes, 29, has been a key piece of the Yankees’ rotation this year, leading the team in both starts (31) and innings pitched (174 1/3). Despite an inconsistent season, the left-hander managed to post a respectable 3.77 ERA, along with a 3.83 FIP. In his last seven outings, he allowed one run or fewer in six of them, showing signs of steady improvement as the Yankees closed in on the playoffs.
In Cortes’ absence, right-hander Marcus Stroman, who was recently shifted to the bullpen, will take the mound tonight against Baltimore. If the Yankees can secure a win, they will clinch the AL East division title. Stroman, who has been a reliable option throughout the season, will step into a high-pressure situation as New York looks to wrap up the division.
To fill the roster spot left by Cortes, the Yankees recalled right-hander Cody Poteet from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Poteet has been effective in his brief time with the big-league club this season, recording a 2.14 ERA across four starts, with three wins and no losses. He will now take on the long-relief role, adding depth to a Yankees bullpen that has seen its share of ups and downs this year.
As the Yankees push for a deep playoff run, Nestor Cortes’ health remains a significant concern. Should they move beyond the ALDS, having Cortes available, even in a limited capacity, could be crucial. But for now, the focus is on securing the division title and making the most of their available arms.
At 92-65, New York already clinched a postseason berth, but a victory tonight (or an Orioles loss) will officially secure the AL East crown. Following this series with Baltimore, the Yankees close out their regular season with a three-game set against the Pittsburgh Pirates, giving them a final opportunity to fine-tune their roster ahead of October.
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