The Yankees are hoping for a key addition to their World Series roster with the possible return of left-hander Nestor Cortes, who missed both the ALDS and ALCS due to injury. Manager Aaron Boone expressed optimism about Cortes being available for the championship series against the Dodgers.
Cortes, recovering from a left elbow flexor strain, is set for his third live batting practice session on Tuesday. A solid performance in that outing could lead to his inclusion in Game 1 of the World Series at Dodger Stadium on Friday.
Since Cortes has been sidelined since September 18, he will likely shift to a relief role due to a lack of time to build up his pitch count for a starting assignment. His recent session at Progressive Field featured 20 pitches, indicating he would be limited to short stints of one or two innings.
Adding another left-handed arm could provide a significant boost to the Yankees’ bullpen as they prepare to face the Dodgers’ dangerous left-handed hitters, including Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, and Max Muncy. Currently, Tim Hill and Tim Mayza are the only left-handed relievers available, making Cortes’ return especially valuable.
The specifics of the roster move to include Cortes remain unclear. In the ALCS, which had the same format as the upcoming World Series, the Yankees carried 14 position players and eight pitchers. Notably, Marcus Stroman and Trent Grisham were not used in the ALCS despite being on the roster.
In a daring decision that went against medical advice, Yankees pitcher Nestor Cortes threw a 20-pitch live batting practice session in Cleveland ahead of Game 4 of the ALCS. The left-hander, encouraged by his outing, reported that his velocity was between 88 and 91 mph, and he recorded two strikeouts, showing form similar to before a late-September injury sidelined him.
Cortes is slated for another live session at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday as he aims to make the World Series roster against the Los Angeles Dodgers, who clinched the National League pennant with a 10-5 win in Game 6 of the NLCS.
Nestor Cortes defies medical advice to return
Cortes’ decision to aggressively push his rehabilitation carries significant stakes beyond the current postseason. Opting for rehab over a more conservative route after being diagnosed with a flexor strain could impact his future earnings. Currently earning $3.95 million, Cortes is projected to see that figure nearly double through arbitration, possibly reaching $8 million for the 2025 season.
The financial implications are even greater when considering his free agency eligibility after 2025. Should his injury worsen, the left-hander risks needing Tommy John surgery, which could wipe out his entire 2025 season and jeopardize his ability to secure a lucrative contract potentially worth $100 million or more.
Doctors have cautioned Cortes about the risk of turning his flexor strain into a complete tear, which would require major surgery. Despite the warnings and the possible long-term consequences, Cortes remains focused on contributing to the Yankees’ World Series pursuit, fully aware of the risks he’s taking with his career.
Cortes’ situation highlights the delicate balance professional athletes face between short-term success and long-term career stability. He has chosen to prioritize the Yankees’ World Series run, potentially sacrificing future financial security in the process.
Conventional wisdom might have guided Nestor Cortes toward a more cautious approach following his elbow injury. Options like minor surgery or extended rest, followed by a winter rehabilitation plan, would have likely preserved his health for the upcoming season and minimized concerns as he approached free agency.
However, Cortes has chosen a different path, opting to prioritize a potential World Series run over financial security. Despite the inherent risks, he remains steadfast in his belief that this rare opportunity justifies the gamble. The Yankees must finalize their World Series roster by Friday, with Cortes expected to replace Tim Mayza in a bullpen role—assuming his recovery remains on track.
Cortes’ playoff resume includes three appearances during his All-Star 2022 season, notably two strong Division Series starts against Cleveland and a more challenging outing against Houston in the ALCS. His standout postseason moment came in Game 5 of the ALDS when he threw five innings of one-run baseball to secure the win.
In the 2023 regular season, Cortes posted a 9-10 record with a 3.77 ERA over a career-high 171.1 innings. He hit his stride before the injury, going 4-0 with a 1.58 ERA in his final seven starts, striking out 38 batters in 40 innings.
Cortes has remained resolute in his decision to pursue postseason readiness, acknowledging the potential financial repercussions. Still, he views the chance to compete for a World Series title as outweighing the monetary risks.
His calculated recovery reflects his determination to aid the Yankees’ World Series quest, fully aware of the personal and financial stakes.
What do you think? Leave your comment below.
With the originating injury only about 4 weeks ago, he really isn’t risking that much in terms of major injury. What happens if he breaks down like Monty did in 2018, after like something 3 starts in 2025? Personally, I think the benefits to Cortes outweigh the detriments. Either he will know he is on the right path with the rest/rehab, if he still won’t feel right and decide to get some form of surgery.