The New York Yankees are preparing for a critical weekend series, boosted by the return of several key players, including Clarke Schmidt, Luis Gil, Gerrit Cole, and Jon Berti.
Schmidt, Gil and Cole set to rejoin rotation this weekend
Clarke Schmidt is expected to be activated from the 60-day injured list and start Saturday’s game against the Chicago Cubs, marking his return after a lat strain sidelined him in late May. Schmidt completed three rehab outings, including a strong 4.2-inning performance with Double-A Somerset, striking out seven.
Luis Gil, recovering from Tommy John surgery, will rejoin the rotation on Friday. Manager Aaron Boone indicated that Gil could share pitching duties with Nestor Cortes, who is also returning from injury. Both pitchers are expected to be in the lineup against the Cubs, according to Chris Kirschner of The Athletic.
Yankees ace Gerrit Cole, who exited Monday’s game against the Texas Rangers due to calf cramping, reassured reporters that the issue is minor and won’t impact his availability. Cole had pitched six innings, allowing one run and striking out nine before the cramp forced him to leave the game. The team confirmed the injury is not serious.
Yankees move Nestor Cortes to bullpen amid rotation crunch
As previously mentioned, the New York Yankees are facing a challenging rotation shuffle. To complicate matters, manager Aaron Boone announced on Tuesday that left-hander Nestor Cortes will temporarily move to the bullpen as the team navigates a rotation logjam.
Nestor Cortes will serve in a relief role this weekend against the Chicago Cubs, likely following Clarke Schmidt on Saturday, though Boone indicated that he could also pitch after Luis Gil on Friday.
Nestr Cortes is expected to rejoin the rotation next week when the Yankees face the Boston Red Sox in a four-game series in New York. The team plans to use a six-man rotation temporarily before deciding which starter will be removed, assuming all remain healthy.
“I think this is the best way to handle it, given that we’re reintegrating two pitchers and Clarke needs to build up,” Boone said. “With an off day on Thursday, we didn’t want to extend anyone’s rest too long. This seemed like the most sensible approach.”
Boone added that Nestor Cortes, who has prior experience as a reliever, accepted the decision professionally, though he remains eager to start.
“He wants to be in the rotation, but he’s committed to doing whatever it takes to help the team win,” Boone said. “He’s not out of the mix as a starter.”
According to NY POST, the final decision on which starter will be removed from the rotation will not be solely based on performance, Boone indicated, noting that the team’s assessment will also consider fit and upcoming opponents.
Berti nears return to lineup
Jon Berti is also close to rejoining the Yankees. According to SNY, Berti could be back with the team soon, strengthening the Yankees as they enter a crucial phase of the season.
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