New York Yankees left-hander Nestor Cortes recently expressed his frustration over being used as a reliever against the Cubs. Cortes, who had been working exclusively as a starter since midway through the 2021 season, admitted that he was upset and surprised by the demotion from the starting rotation. Despite his disappointment, he stated that he would accept the new role if it ends up being permanent.
Cortes, a 2022 All-Star, referred to himself as the „workhorse“ of the Yankees‘ rotation. He highlighted the fact that he was selected as the Opening Day starter in the absence of ace Gerrit Cole, who was sidelined with an elbow injury at the beginning of the season. Cortes emphasized his dedication to the team and his willingness to take on any challenge, regardless of his personal feelings about the situation.
Despite his frustration, Cortes put on an impressive performance as a reliever, pitching 4⅓ no-hit innings in combination with starter Clarke Schmidt for a shutout victory against the Cubs. He showcased his adaptability and professionalism on the field, demonstrating that he can excel in any situation given to him by the team. Cortes‘ strong outing in relief raised questions about his role in the Yankees‘ future starting rotation.
As the Yankees prepare to revert to a five-man starting rotation, Cortes‘ role on the team remains uncertain. While he is scheduled to start one of the upcoming games against the Boston Red Sox, his recent struggles in a start against the St. Louis Cardinals have raised concerns about his consistency. With pitchers like Schmidt and Luis Gil returning from the injured list, Cortes could potentially be the odd man out in the rotation.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone commended Cortes for his performance out of the bullpen, recognizing his professionalism and dedication to the team. Despite the challenging circumstances and unexpected role change, Cortes showcased his ability to stay focused and deliver his best effort on the field. Boone highlighted the importance of maintaining a professional attitude and fulfilling one’s responsibilities, even in the face of adversity.
Future Uncertainty
When asked about his role going forward, Cortes admitted that he was caught by surprise with the recent changes. As the Yankees evaluate their pitching staff and make decisions about the rotation, Cortes remains unsure about what the future holds for him. The uncertainty surrounding his role on the team reflects the competitive nature of professional sports and the constant need for players to adapt to changing circumstances.
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