In a stunning turn of events, the New York Yankees may be getting a major bullpen boost just in time for the World Series. Nestor Cortes, the scrappy left-hander who emerged as a crucial piece of the Yankees’ pitching staff, looks poised to rejoin the team after an elbow injury nearly derailed his season.
Cortes’ Improbable Comeback
When Cortes landed on the injured list with an elbow flexor strain on Sept. 25, the prognosis looked grim. Such injuries often portend more serious elbow issues, and with the playoffs looming, the Yankees braced for the worst.
Fast forward a month, and the narrative has taken a dramatic twist. As the Yankees steamrolled through the playoffs en route to their first World Series appearance since 2009, Cortes quietly worked his way back. Now, Yankees skipper Aaron Boone says there’s “a good chance” the fan-favorite southpaw will be on the roster for Game 1.
“I think there’s a good chance of it,” Boone told reporters Monday when asked about Cortes’ World Series availability.
– Yankees manager Aaron Boone
Proving His Mettle
The road back hasn’t been easy for Cortes. He had to prove his elbow could handle the rigors of live pitching, a critical hurdle he cleared Saturday with a 20-pitch live bullpen session before ALCS Game 5 in Cleveland.
Cortes will throw another live bullpen Tuesday, a final test that, if passed, should punch his ticket to the Fall Classic. While he likely won’t be starting games, his presence in the bullpen could be invaluable.
Bullpen X-Factor
During the regular season, Cortes was a revelation for the Yankees, posting a 3.77 ERA across 31 appearances (30 starts). His 174⅓ innings pitched were second only to ace Gerrit Cole.
While the Yankees had already earmarked Cortes for a bullpen role this postseason, slotting Carlos Rodón, Clarke Schmidt, and Luis Gil into the playoff rotation, his return would still be a game-changer. The Yankees have leaned heavily on lefty Tim Hill, who appeared in all five ALCS games. Cortes would give Boone another trusted southpaw to summon in key spots.
Cortes tossed 4⅓ hitless innings in his only relief appearance this year against the Chicago Cubs on Sept. 7. He then gave up one run in 11 innings over two starts before landing on the injured list.
The Heart of a Fighter
Cortes’ journey from fringe prospect to postseason stalwart is a testament to his grit and determination. Once a 36th-round draft pick, he’s had to scrap for every opportunity, endearing himself to Yankees fans with his funky deliveries and indomitable spirit.
Now, with the Yankees four wins away from their elusive 28th World Series title, Cortes looks ready to write another chapter in his incredible underdog story. If his elbow cooperates, he could be the X-factor that pushes the Yankees over the top.
As the baseball world awaits official word on Cortes’ status, one thing is clear: The never-say-die lefty isn’t going down without a fight. And that’s exactly the kind of spirit the Yankees will need to end their World Series drought.
