Nestor Cortes was not available to present the project New York Yankees since being placed on injured reserve on September 25. However, manager Aaron Boone told reporters Monday that there’s a “good chance” the Yankees will add one of the team’s best pitchers to their World Series roster.
“I think there’s a good chance of that happening. He’s got to have another live session (bullpen session) tomorrow,” Boone said. “So if everything goes well there, I would say there’s a good chance he’ll be on the list, yes.”
As Boone mentioned, Cortes’ availability will depend on how he feels after he launches on Tuesday. The left-hander threw a bullpen before Saturday’s game Game 5 of the American League Championship Series.
In 31 appearances (30 starts), Cortes finished with a 3.77 ERA and 162 strikeouts in 174 1/3 innings. Only Carlos Rodon pitched more innings among Yankees starting pitchers.
However, Cortes last pitched on September 18 after an MRI exam. revealed flexor deformity in his left elbow. Prior to this, he had been experiencing tenderness in his elbow for about three weeks. But he experienced pain while throwing a bullpen session between starts, which led to an MRI.
At the time, it seemed like a season-ending problem, given that flexor strains are often a precursor to torn ligaments that may require reconstructive surgery. But imaging revealed no damage to Cortes’ ulnar collateral ligament, and rest and rehabilitation were recommended.
With their run to the World Seriesthe Yankees’ season lasted long enough for Cortes to recover and make his return a likely possibility.
Although Cortes has been a starter throughout the season, he will likely be available as a reliever in the World Series. He could be a valuable weapon against left-handed hitters, who had a .204 average and .530 OPS against him during the season. (Righties hit .256 with a .760 OPS against Cortes, so he could be used in any situation.)
