Yankees’ injury latest: Cortes and Allen show progress, Donaldson’s status remains uncertain

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NEW YORK — The New York Yankees are currently dealing with significant challenges in terms of fitness. To make matters worse, Josh Donaldson had to leave the game against the Cubs last Sunday due to an injury, and his current status remains unknown. However, there is some positive news, as Greg Allen and Neston Cortes might be nearing their return to the team, which could boost the big stage.

Positive signs for Greg Allen’s return

According to CBS, outfielder Greg Allen, recovering from a right hip flexor strain, participated in a simulated game against Yankees pitcher Nestor Cortes on Sunday. While it’s uncertain if Allen could run the bases during the session, his involvement in facing live pitching is a positive sign of progress in his rehabilitation. Allen was placed on the 10-day injured list on June 3, and Yankees manager Aaron Boone initially estimated his absence to be around 6-to-8 weeks. However, Allen’s recent performance suggests he might return sooner, possibly closer to the shorter end of that timeframe.

Important stages in Nestor Cortes’ rehab

On the other hand, Nestor Cortes, the Yankees’ pitcher, is currently sidelined with a left shoulder strain and is not eligible to return until early August. Although that’s still considerable time away, Cortes remains optimistic about his recovery. He expects to return immediately after the 60 days as long as there are no unexpected setbacks. During a recent conversation at Yankee Stadium, Cortes expressed confidence in his rehabilitation schedule.

The main challenge for Cortes lies in completing various crucial stages of his recovery. One vital step involves going through a rehab assignment where he gradually increases his pitch count and sharpens his pitching skills by facing batters from opposing teams. A similar process was followed by left-handed pitcher Carlos Rodón, who spent several weeks playing for different minor-league groups to prepare himself before rejoining the Yankees.

On Sunday, Cortes took significant strides in rehabilitation by facing batters for the first time in over a month. He threw 20 pitches at Yankee Stadium, with Greg Allen, also in rehab, stepping in to face him. Cortes was pleased with his live session, reporting no limitations, pain, or loss of motion. He delivered his pitches accurately, even executing a few unconventional ones. Overall, Cortes felt highly positive about the outcome of the session.

Up next

In the upcoming days, Cortes has a scheduled live session consisting of approximately 30 pitches at the Yankees’ facility in Tampa during the All-Star break. Afterward, he is set to have another live session the following Monday in Anaheim when the Yankees play against the Angels on the road. If these upcoming sessions go smoothly without complications, Cortes will be ready to follow a five-day routine and join a minor-league affiliate for his rehab assignment.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone expressed satisfaction with Cortes’ performance during the live session, stating that Cortes appeared sharp and in good form. Although there is still progress to be made in the rehabilitation process, Boone noted that Cortes resembled his usual self.

Cortes’ last start before landing on the injured list was on May 30, where he recorded a 5.16 ERA over 11 starts, a decline compared to his All-Star performance in 2022. Reflecting on the situation, Cortes speculates that a previous hamstring injury may have influenced his shoulder injury during spring training. He had to withdraw from the World Baseball Classic due to a hamstring strain, causing him to miss the early part of spring training.

Cortes believes there could be a connection between his previous hamstring injury and the subsequent arm issue. He said his arm and hamstring didn’t fully synch and didn’t come out of spring training, and he felt pressured to be ready for Opening Day. He expressed relief in his current improved condition.

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