The New York Yankees received some troubling injury news regarding pitcher Nestor Cortes just before the playoffs. Entering Tuesday night’s game, the Yankees had been on a hot streak, winning 12 of their last 15 games, and were on the verge of clinching the AL East with one more victory. However, their fortunes took a turn as they lost 5-3 to the Baltimore Orioles, who secured their playoff spot by celebrating in the Bronx.
More concerning for the Yankees was the news that emerged on Wednesday morning. Reports indicated that Cortes, who was scheduled to pitch that night, would undergo an MRI on his pitching elbow. This development raised alarm, as Cortes had dealt with shoulder issues the previous year that limited his performance. He had seemed to overcome those challenges this season, appearing in a career-high 31 games and making 30 starts.
Cortes has been a reliable asset for the Yankees this season, posting a solid 3.77 ERA and 1.15 WHIP over 174 1/3 innings. While he wasn’t a guaranteed member of the postseason rotation, his versatility made him a valuable piece for manager Aaron Boone to use in various situations. Now, his availability for the playoffs is in jeopardy, and the Yankees face uncertainty regarding his health.
In light of Cortes’ injury, it was confirmed that he would not pitch in Wednesday’s game. According to Jack Curry of the YES Network, Cody Poteet is expected to take his place, likely supported by a long bullpen outing. This is not ideal for the Yankees, as Cortes had been performing well in recent games, allowing just one run and seven hits over his last 15 1/3 innings. He also struck out 18 batters in those outings against tough competition, including the Cubs, Red Sox, and Mariners.
Cortes’ recent form had given the Yankees much-needed momentum heading into the postseason. Unfortunately, the team’s depth in pitching has taken a hit at a critical time. The severity of Cortes’ injury remains uncertain, but the initial reports suggest it could be significant. If surgery is required, he may be sidelined for the remainder of 2024. Fans are hoping for a less severe outcome so that he can avoid surgery and remain in the mix for 2025. However, time is running out, and the Yankees will need to adjust their plans as the postseason approaches.