Nestor Cortes to start for Yankees against Astros after two-month IL absence

NEW YORK— Starting pitcher Nestor Cortes is set to rejoin the Yankees’ rotation on Saturday during a four-game series against the Houston Astros. He was sidelined for over two months due to a left rotator cuff strain.

Nestor Cortes was supposed to have his third minor league rehab start on Wednesday. However, when he was getting ready and preparing to go to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, he was informed that he would actually be starting for the Yankees this coming weekend.

According to Nestor Cortes, he found out about it earlier today. He was initially planning to collect his belongings before heading to Scranton when the starter got the information of his recall.

“I was made aware of it today before I got in. I was supposed to come and pick up my stuff before I got to Scranton,” Nestor Cortes said while the Yankees beat the Rays 7-2 on Wednesday.

Yankees recall Nestor Cortes as German joins alcohol rehab

Nestor Cortes is taking the starting position that Domingo German might have occupied. On Wednesday, the Yankees revealed that German has chosen to seek treatment for alcohol abuse as an inpatient.

According to the scheduled rehab plan, Nestor Cortes was to have another 60-pitch Triple-A session on Thursday. However, the Yankees changed the plan and recalled him to the MLB game against Houston. It will be his first appearance since May 30 in Seattle, where he had shoulder discomfort.

On June 8, Nestor Cortes was put on the 15-day injured list, hoping to miss only a couple of starts. However, the Yankees later moved him to the 60-day injured list on July 7.

His comeback to the majors has been expedited following two successful rehab starts, with the second outing seeing him pitch four innings in just 49 pitches. The left-handed pitcher is expected to be capable of reaching the 60-65 pitch range when Nestor Cortes takes the mound on Saturday at home, facing off against the Astros.

Nasty Nestor is eager to pitch for the Yankees

The starter mentioned that he had been sidelined for an extended period and expressed his eagerness to return, showcase his abilities, and regain his previous level of performance. He also conveyed his excitement for the upcoming weekend.

Nestor Cortes has a record of 5-2 with an ERA of 5.16 in 11 starts. He has faced challenges, especially in the later parts of his outings. When opponents have faced him for the third time in a game, they are hitting.  447.

In the previous year, Nestor Cortes earned the honor of being an All-Star and achieved a record of 12-4 with an impressive ERA of 2.44 in 28 starts.

Meanwhile, the Yankees put reliever Keynan Middleton, a recent acquisition from the White Sox through a deadline trade, into the active roster on Wednesday.

“He’s a good fastball-changeup guy,” praised the manager, referring to Middleton’s performance in 39 games with Chicago, where he maintained a 3.96 ERA. “He’s capable of handling both right and left-handed hitters.”

Boone highlighted Middleton’s effectiveness against left-handed batters, thanks to his changeup. He expressed confidence that Middleton will seamlessly fit into the Yankees’ bullpen and contribute positively to the team’s performance.

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