The New York Yankees will have to wait until at least August to see the return of left-handed pitcher Nestor Cortes. The 28-year-old was transferred to the 60-day injured list on Friday due to rotator cuff inflammation, making him eligible to be activated on August 4.
Nestor Cortes, a 2022 All-Star, last pitched on May 30 and has posted a 5-2 record with a 5.16 ERA in 11 starts this season. While sidelined, he has been focused on rehabilitating his injury. He is scheduled to throw to hitters on Sunday and will continue his recovery at the Yankees’ complex in Tampa, Florida, on July 13.
In the meantime, the Yankees have welcomed another left-hander, Carlos Rodon, back to the active roster. Rodon, who was signed to a lucrative $162 million, six-year contract, made his Yankees debut in Friday’s game against the Cubs. He had been sidelined since spring training with a strained left forearm and back issues.
Rodon’s return is highly anticipated, as he was expected to form a formidable duo with Gerrit Cole as the team’s top starting pitchers. Despite his extended absence, Rodon has made three successful minor league rehab starts, pitching a total of 10 2/3 innings while allowing only one run. The Yankees will exercise caution with his workload in the game against the Cubs and after the All-Star Break, but it will provide fans with their first glimpse of the Cole-Rodon pitching combination.
On the other hand, Cortes, who was projected to be a significant contributor to the Yankees’ rotation, has struggled this season with a 5.16 ERA. This comes after impressive performances in the 2021-22 seasons, where he maintained a sub-3.00 ERA. Unfortunately, Cortes landed on the injured list due to a strained left rotator cuff, with the placement retroactive to June 5.
Yankees without Nestor Cortes: What’s next?
The 60-day minimum stay on the injured list means that Nestor Cortes will be officially out until the first week of August. However, there is hope that he will be able to return around the time he becomes eligible. According to ESPN, Nestor Cortes successfully completed a 25-pitch bullpen session and is anticipated to participate in live batting practice on Sunday. This is a positive indication of his recovery progress.
In addition to Nestor Cortes’ setback, the Yankees have also placed infielder/outfielder Jake Bauers on the 10-day injured list due to a bruised left rotator cuff, with the move retroactive to Thursday. Bauers had been filling in well since being called up in late April, hitting .224 with seven home runs over 154 plate appearances. In his absence, infielder-outfielder Franchy Cordero has been recalled from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to provide depth for the team.
The Yankees will have to navigate through the absence of Nestor Cortes and Bauers as they continue their season. The team’s hopes for success rest on the recovery and return of key players like Cortes and the continued performances of their star-studded roster.
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No biggie just an roster maneuver and with the All Star break coming 👍🏻