The New York Yankees are on the verge of a significant milestone as they sit poised to clinch the American League East. However, their path is not without challenges. Left-hander Nestor Cortes, a crucial figure in their pitching rotation, has been placed on the 15-day injured list due to a flexor strain. This places his return date at October 5, coinciding with Game 2 of the American League Division Series (ALDS).
Cortes, who is 29 years old, has been a workhorse for the Yankees this season. He leads the team in starts with 31 and in innings pitched at 174 1/3. His stellar efforts have resulted in a 3.77 ERA, a 3.83 FIP, and a 3.65 xERA. Recently, he showcased his brilliance by pitching 4 1/3 hitless innings to secure a save. Despite these impressive statistics, the Yankees must now navigate critical games without him.
Before Cortes' injury, the Yankees’ pitching staff was nearly at full strength, missing only Jonathan Loáisiga. This abundance of arms allowed them the luxury of rotating six starters for five spots. However, with Cortes sidelined, adjustments were necessary. To fill the void, Cody Poteet has been called up and will assume the role of the long man in the bullpen, while Marcus Stroman is slated to rejoin the rotation, starting in Wednesday's game.
Postseason Aspirations and Pressure
The Yankees have already secured a postseason berth, boasting a 92-65 record. They need just one more victory to clinch the AL East title. Their recent loss to the Orioles with a 5-3 score on Tuesday adds urgency to their upcoming games. This weekend, they face the Pittsburgh Pirates in a three-game set, where they could potentially seal their division title with either a win or another loss from the Orioles.
With the postseason berth locked in, the Yankees are aiming for the AL East crown to secure more favorable seeding. This period is critical, as their performance without Cortes will be under scrutiny. The games against the Orioles and Pirates are not just about maintaining momentum but solidifying their position as division leaders.
The Road to Recovery for Cortes
Nestor Cortes' injury timeline is a significant blow, but the team is hopeful for his return on October 5, just in time for Game 2 of the ALDS. MLB rules stipulate that players cannot be added to a postseason roster mid-series unless they are replacing an injured player. This means the Yankees must strategically manage their roster and pitching staff to accommodate Cortes' absence and eventual return.
The Yankees' handling of this situation will be crucial. The bullpen, strengthened by Poteet, and the rotation, adjusted by Stroman's return, will need to step up in Cortes’ absence. This period of navigating injury while pushing for postseason success will test the depth and resilience of the Yankees’ roster.
As the team prepares for their final regular-season games, the focus remains on clinching the division and preparing for the ALDS. Every game is a step towards proving they can excel even amid adversity. The next few weeks will reveal if they can maintain the high standards they've set all season.