The New York Yankees have been through a lot since last year. They had to deal with a lot of shame after the team could not even make the postseason. It was the first time since 2016 that they failed to make it past the regular season. Moreover, the NY side had an 82-80 record at the end of the 2023 season. It was awful as they barely managed to maintain the streak of winning seasons. Moreover, the Bronx Bombers had a lot of injuries to deal with. Last year was bad mainly because of injuries to key players. Among the pitchers, Nestor Cortes and Carlos Rodon were on the Injured List. Later, they could not perform to the best of their abilities.
Moreover, Rodon’s poor performance especially scared the Yankees because last winter, they signed him for $162 million. But this year, the team looked confident in redeeming themselves, winning the World Series. They have a strong offense to help them accomplish the goal. But they have one-star pitcher, and without him, the defense looks really weak. Last year, Gerrit Cole won the AL Cy Young Award. But this time, he won’t be able to start the season for the team from the opening day due to a right elbow injury. Nestor Cortes will replace him as the starter for the Opening Day. Fans have mixed feelings about that.
The Yankees Faithful Is Unsure About Cortes Filling The Void Of Cole
Arguably, Gerrit Cole is the best pitcher in baseball. He is one of the three superstars in the team along with Aaron Judge and Juan Soto. Last year, Cole won the American League Cy Young award. But the ace pitcher wants nothing more than winning the World Series with the Yankees. He really is irreplaceable in the current NY side. However, the right elbow injury he sustained during spring training will keep him out for one to two months. That’s not great news for the 27-time champions. It does not make the fans very happy.
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Just got to hope he can regain his All-Star form.
— Joey (@JoeythebigboSs) March 15, 2024
Oh Jesus I’m not feeling that decision
— Tony Port (@port_tony30189) March 15, 2024
Wax your mustache and let’s Rock!!
— Bryan (@bniles408) March 15, 2024
IT WAS ALWAYS NESTOR
— TWadegoat (@TWadegoat) March 15, 2024
On Friday, Aaron Boone told Nestor Cortes, and the team announced that the lefty pitcher will replace Cole for the opening day in Houston. As per the Yankees manager Cortes has been feeling the excitement since he started his throwing program two months ago. Moreover, Boone says “Cortes is ready to go and do it.” Even the pitcher said that the opportunity is special and really cool. Something he can add to his resume. But he also knows that the situation is “Not ideal.” Fans are not sure about the idea of Cortes replacing Cole. They posted mixed feelings on X.
Nestor Cortes Focusing On Game 1 And His Rehab Stuff
According to MLB.com, the lefty pitcher had a bumpy start in the spring training yet again. Hence, it is not really a positive sign for the Yankees to give Cortes the huge responsibility. But Nestor looked unfazed about what happened in 2023 and even in the spring training. He said people will ask if you can repeat what you did last year when things go great.
On the other hand, when things go bad, people ask, “What can you turn around?” But for Cortes, it is better to focus on Game 1 rather than his “Rehab stuff.” He plans to come out every five games. Moreover, the left-handed pitcher mentioned that Aaron Boone believed Cortes was ready for the task.
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