Yankees Pitcher Nestor Cortes Placed on Injured List
New York Yankees left-handed starting pitcher Nestor Cortes has been dealt a significant blow as he was placed on the 15-day injured list due to a left-elbow flexor strain. The team made the announcement on Wednesday, retroactive to September 22. Cortes, who was slated to start against the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday night, was forced to sit out after undergoing an MRI that revealed the extent of the damage.
Recovery Process and Second Opinions
As a result of the flexor strain, Cortes will be sidelined from throwing for at least seven to 10 days. He is seeking second opinions from renowned doctors Dr. Neal ElAttrache and Dr. Keith Meister regarding his ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) and potential surgical options. In the meantime, he is set to receive a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) shot in the upcoming days to aid in his recovery process.
Impact on Yankees Starting Rotation
With Cortes out of commission, the Yankees are facing a setback in their starting rotation as they head towards the postseason. The southpaw had been performing well recently, bouncing back from a challenging start to the season. Over his last three starts, he had only allowed one earned run with 18 strikeouts in 15.1 innings pitched. Since mid-August, Cortes had been on a tear with a 4-0 record and a 1.58 ERA in seven starts, bringing his overall 2024 stats to 9-10 with a 3.77 ERA.
Prior to his injury, Cortes was expected to play a key role in the postseason rotation, potentially as the team’s fourth starter alongside Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon, and Luis Gil. However, with his absence, the spotlight now falls on Clarke Schmidt to fill that role, unless manager Aaron Boone decides to experiment with using Marcus Stroman as a starter in the playoffs.
Boone had moved Stroman to the bullpen on September 13, but emphasized that the decision was not set in stone. As the Yankees navigate Cortes’ injury and adjust their pitching plans, they will need to make strategic decisions to ensure their rotation remains competitive in the postseason.
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