The New York Yankees are preparing for their first World Series appearance since 2009 with LA Dodgers being worthy and tough opponents. Needless to say, the team will need its best players on the ground for the decisive seven-game series, including the ones on the injury list.
Nestor Cortes narrowly missed out on postseason due to a elbow injury sustained hours after the conclusion of regular season in September. He has been throwing bullpen sessions continuously with a hope of being fit for World Series. Recently, manager Aaron Boone shared key update on Cortes’ health and roster plans.
Nestor Cortes Not Ruled Out For World Series Return
Left-handed starter Nestor Cortes, who has been sidelined with an elbow injury since mid-September, is expected to be included on the New York Yankees’ World Series roster. Manager Aaron Boone confirmed the likelihood of Cortes’ return, offering a significant boost to the team’s pitching depth as they face the Los Angeles Dodgers. “There’s a good chance Nestor Cortes is on the World Series roster,” Boone said on Monday. Notably, Cortes hasn’t pitched during the 2024 postseason due to the injury, but he has been working his way back. Last week, he threw live batting practice to hitters during the ALCS, a key step in his rehab process. Interestingly, Boone had previously hinted that Cortes could be available for the World Series.
That being said, Nestor Cortes has been a solid performer for the Yankees in 2024, finishing the regular season with a 9-10 record and a 3.77 ERA. While these numbers might not stand out, his versatility as both a starter and a reliever provides Boone with multiple options. Given his limited workload since the injury, Cortes will likely begin the series in the bullpen, though the possibility of him starting a game under a pitch count can’t be ruled out. Cortes is set to throw another live batting practice session on Tuesday, which could finalize his status for the World Series. If everything goes well, the Yankees will have another reliable arm in their bullpen to help navigate the potent Dodgers lineup. Notably, the Fall Classic is set to begin on Friday at Dodger Stadium, marking the 12th time in history that these two iconic franchises will meet in the World Series.
Gerrit Cole To Open World Series For Yankees
Gerrit Cole, the New York Yankees’ ace, will take the mound to start Game 1 of the 2024 World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday. Manager Aaron Boone confirmed the decision on Monday. However, Boone has yet to officially announce the rotation beyond Cole.
But there is a strong chance it will mirror the order from the ALCS, which saw Carlos Rodon starting Game 2, followed by Clarke Schmidt in Game 3, and Luis Gil in Game 4. This formula has worked well for the New York Yankees, and skipper Aaron Boone hinted at sticking with it as they prepare to face the powerful LA Dodgers lineup.
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