The New York Yankees will take on Los Angeles Dodgers in World Series starting from October 25. Ahead of Game 1 of the seven-game series, manager Aaron Boone is yet to decide on his ideal roster setup with a couple key players still reeling from injuries.
As far as rotation is concerned, reigning AL CY Young pitcher and ace Gerrit Cole has been confirmed to start in Game 1. However, beyond that, Boone is unclear on how he wants to design his pitching staff especially with injured Nestor Cortes itching to return despite dealing with a serious elbow injury.
Nestor Cortes Desperate To Play World Series Even If It Costs Him A Year
Nestor Cortes is willing to take a significant risk in pitching for the New York Yankees in the 2024 World Series despite still recovering from a left elbow flexor strain diagnosed just a month ago. The left-hander, who could be pivotal against the Dodgers’ lefty-heavy lineup featuring sluggers like Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, and Max Muncy, is determined to contribute, knowing the potential long-term consequences for his career. Cortes, who is one year away from free agency, weighed the risks with his family, agents, and the team but remains ready for the challenge. “We have weighed in the consequences that this can lead up to, but if I have a ring and then a year off, so be it,” he said.
Notably, the New York Yankees have carefully managed Nestor Cortes’ recovery, with general manager Brian Cashman previously preventing him from pitching in the earlier playoff rounds. Now, if he feels healthy after a 28-pitch simulated game, the Yankees may add him to their World Series roster for key relief appearances. Pitching coach Matt Blake emphasized that the team is balancing Cortes’ health and his potential to contribute to their World Series push. Interestingly, Cortes has a track record of success against the Dodgers’ lineup, especially Ohtani (2-for-12). He also joked about using his signature funky pitching deliveries to keep hitters off-balance, saying, “I’m going to have to bring out the kitchen sink on him,” referring to Ohtani. Hence, as Cortes likes to put it, the opportunity to help the Bombers win a World Series is worth the risk, even if it means jeopardizing his future.
Jack Flaherty Pitted Against Yankees Ace For Game 1
The stage is set for a thrilling World Series as the Los Angeles Dodgers take on the New York Yankees, marking the 13th time these two legendary franchises will compete for a championship. For Game 1, the Yanks are sending ace Gerrit Cole to the mound, while the Dodgers have announced that Jack Flaherty will get the start.
Flaherty had a stellar performance in Game 1 of the NLCS against the Mets, allowing no runs in seven innings, but struggled in Game 5, giving up eight runs in just three innings. However, despite his uneven playoff run, Flaherty’s regular-season stats, 13-7 with a 3.17 ERA, demonstrate why the Dodgers are trusting him.
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