Aaron Boone confirmed on Monday that Gerrit Cole will take the mound as the Yankees‘ Game 1 starter for the World Series against the Dodgers, set to begin this Friday at Dodger Stadium. Cole’s selection, while expected, sets the stage for the Yankees to face an imposing Dodgers lineup. Boone also opened the possibility of left-hander Nestor Cortes returning to the roster for the Fall Classic, though Cortes’ role would be limited to the bullpen.
Gerrit Cole on extra rest for Game 1
Gerrit Cole, the Yankees’ ace, will enter the series on extra rest after the team clinched the ALCS in five games, allowing them to avoid using him in a potential Game 6. Boone was cautious about revealing the rotation beyond Cole, but there is a strong chance the Yankees will follow the same order as they did in the ALCS: Carlos Rodon in Game 2, Clarke Schmidt in Game 3, and Luis Gil in Game 4.
Gerrit Cole has been a pivotal part of the Yankees’ postseason success so far, posting a 3.31 ERA across three starts. Despite dealing with an elbow injury during the regular season, Cole will be facing the Dodgers for the first time since 2023, when he threw six innings of one-run ball at Dodger Stadium. Boone highlighted Cole’s readiness for the challenge, noting that he has previous World Series experience from his time with the Astros in 2019.
Nestor Cortes’ possible return to the bullpen
As for Nestor Cortes, the left-hander missed the ALDS and ALCS due to a left elbow flexor strain, but Boone expressed optimism about Cortes’ return in time for the World Series. Cortes is scheduled to face hitters again on Tuesday, and if all goes well, he could be available as a reliever. With his pitch count still low due to the injury, Cortes would bolster the Yankees’ bullpen, which already includes two lefties—Tim Hill and Tim Mayza.
Nestor Cortes’ return would be especially crucial against a Dodgers lineup stacked with left-handed power hitters like Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, and Max Muncy. Boone emphasized the value of having an additional lefty in the bullpen to navigate the dangerous left-handed bats at the top of the Dodgers’ order.
As the Yankees gear up for their highly anticipated World Series matchup, the return of both Cole and potentially Cortes will be key to their chances of securing their first title in over a decade.
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