The Yankees are temporarily deferring a final decision on their rotation setup, with Nestor Cortes taking on a new assignment for one turn through the pitching staff.
Manager Aaron Boone announced that Cortes will pitch out of the bullpen during the upcoming series against the Cubs, likely following Clarke Schmidt on Saturday. However, the Yankees skipper left the door open for Cortes to pitch in relief after Luis Gil on Friday if needed.
“I think it just lines up the best way that way, having to get two people integrated back in and Clarke wanting to get built up,” Boone said on Tuesday. “And with the off day [Thursday], not wanting to push too many people back on seven days, eight days, whatever. I think this made the most sense.
Gil and Schmidt, both making their returns from injury, are slated to start the first two games at Wrigley Field, while ace Gerrit Cole is set to take the mound in Sunday’s series finale. Carlos Rodon and Marcus Stroman will then start the first two games against the Royals on Monday and Tuesday.
Cortes is expected to rejoin the rotation next week during the series against the Red Sox at Yankee Stadium. The Yankees plan to temporarily adopt a six-man rotation for one turn before deciding which pitcher will be moved out of the lineup for the rest of the season, provided all starters stay healthy.
Boone explained that this approach allows the team to smoothly reintegrate two starters while giving Schmidt time to build up his stamina. He also noted the importance of avoiding too many extended rest days due to an upcoming off day in the schedule.
Boone expressed optimism that the team will face a tough decision down the line, which would indicate strong performances from multiple pitchers. He praised Cortes, who has prior experience as a reliever, for embracing the temporary role change, even though he prefers starting. Boone emphasized that Cortes remains a key candidate for the rotation moving forward.
“Nestor will go back into the rotation in the Boston series and coming out of that we’ll go six that first time, assuming everything’s fine and good,” the Yankees skipper clarified. “And then at some point, hopefully we’ll have a decision to make because a lot of people are posting and doing well. He wants to start, but he also wants to win. He’ll be a pro. And again, he’s not out of the mix as a starter. A lot of it will come down to results, fit, opponent, that kind of thing.”
Yankees manager Aaron Boone also stated that the decision on which starter to remove from the rotation won’t be determined by performance alone. He emphasized that the team will weigh various factors, including overall results, suitability, and upcoming opponents.
Yankees injury update
Gerrit Cole is on track to make his scheduled start on Sunday despite exiting Monday’s game in the seventh inning due to a cramp in his right calf. Cole brushed off concerns about the cramp on Tuesday, joking that he might need to switch from applesauce to bananas in his pregame routine.
Meanwhile, the Yankees are keeping an eye on another potential injury from Monday’s game. Catcher Austin Wells was not in Tuesday’s lineup, with Jose Trevino starting against Rangers lefty Andrew Heaney. Wells is dealing with soreness after being struck on the right hand and wrist by a 95 mph fastball. Although X-rays were negative, the team is being cautious with his recovery.
Utility player Jon Berti, on a rehab assignment after a calf strain, has been moved to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. He started at third base on Tuesday and will shift to the outfield on Wednesday. Following a scheduled off day on Thursday, Berti is expected to alternate between infield and outfield over the weekend. Boone suggested Berti could rejoin the Yankees as early as next week.
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