Yankees give up on Nestor Cortes for the 2023 season

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It appears highly unlikely that Nestor Cortes will make another appearance on the pitching mound for the New York Yankees in this ongoing season. Manager Aaron Boone expressed his doubts about the possibility of the left-handed pitcher, Nestor Cortes, recovering from his shoulder injury and making another start for the Yankees this season.

Boone commented that it was important not to rule anything out, emphasizing the unpredictability of how the season might unfold. He noted that, as a starting point, the plan was for Nestor Cortes to commence his throwing program, and this was based on the recent positive developments over the past few weeks.

Injury challenges for Nestor Cortes

Nestor Cortes has had a challenging season due to injuries, particularly a shoulder strain that kept him sidelined for June and July. He made a brief comeback on August 5th, pitching four innings and allowing just one run against the Houston Astros. However, a rotator cuff strain landed the Yankees starter back on the injured list a mere six days later, and it’s uncertain whether he’ll return to the mound for the remainder of the season.

This year, the 28-year-old has started 12 games, posting a 4.97 ERA, a 1.25 WHIP, and 67 strikeouts in 63.1 innings. These numbers pale in comparison to his standout All-Star performance in 2022, where Nestor Cortes concluded the season with a 2.44 ERA, a 0.92 WHIP, and an impressive 163 strikeouts in 158.1 innings.

Given the Yankees’ current last-place standing in the American League East with a 69-69 record, there’s little incentive to rush Nestor Cortes back into action. This season has been filled with disappointments, with injuries playing a significant role. While the starter might make one or two appearances in September, it’s unlikely to change the overall outcome.

Moreover, Nestor Cortes is under contract with the Yankees through the 2025 season, making it more crucial for the team that he returns to full health and readiness for the upcoming season.

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