New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone confirmed some unfortunate news regarding star pitcher Nestor Cortes. The 29-year-old left-hander is officially out of the team’s starting rotation after being placed on the 15-day injured list with an elbow injury, a major setback for the Yankees as they push through the postseason.
Cortes, who has been a key part of the Yankees’ pitching staff, was initially expected to start Game 3 of the ALDS against the Kansas City Royals. However, due to his elbow issue, he will be sidelined for the time being. Boone mentioned that Cortes is scheduled to begin light throwing exercises on Sunday, marking his first action since the injury.
The Yankees, leading the series 1-0 after a narrow 6-5 win in Game 1, are now faced with the tough decision of choosing between Luis Gil or Clarke Schmidt to take the mound for Game 3. Gerrit Cole started Game 1, while Carlos Rodon is set to start Game 2 in the Bronx before the series shifts to Kansas City.
The team remains hopeful that Cortes could return later in the postseason, either as a starter or in a bullpen role, depending on how his recovery progresses. If the Yankees advance to the ALCS, there’s a possibility Cortes could rejoin the roster, though his availability remains uncertain.
Game 1 against the Royals was a hard-fought victory for the Yankees, with Cole struggling on the mound and some defensive lapses, including a key error by Anthony Volpe.
Despite these setbacks, the team managed to pull off the win thanks to timely hitting. With Carlos Rodon set to face Kansas City’s ace Cole Ragans in Game 2, the Yankees will be looking to take a commanding 2-0 series lead before heading to Kansas City.
If New York advances, they will face either the Detroit Tigers or the Cleveland Indians, with home-field advantage favoring the Yankees in the next round.
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