The New York Yankees have been gearing up for the new season. They are looking for redemption this year. Last season was horrible for them. They finished with an awful 82-80 record. Moreover, the NY side finished fourth in the American League East. They could not make the postseason for the first time since 2016. On top of that, the Bronx Bombers had the second-worst batting average behind the nine-time World Series champions, the Oakland Athletics. But what bothered the 27-time champions more was the Injured List. It was too long to help them go a long way last season.
Moreover, when Aaron Judge hurt his toe, the team’s captain missed 35 games on the trot. That was the biggest blow to the Yankees last year. Mainly because they had no other superstar sluggers. On top of that, the NY side had a lot of trouble in their bullpen as well. Last season, the Yankees had a pretty good and deep pitching department. But that could not be very useful when the key pitchers sustained injuries. For instance, Carlos Rodon and Nestor Cortes could not provide support to Gerrit Cole in the team’s defense. However, ahead of the 2024 season, Cortes mentioned that he’s feeling better than ever.
Nestor Cortes Feels He’s In The Best Shape In Recent Times
As per the New York Post’s Greg Joyce, Nestor Cortes mentioned his physical status has currently been the best, “It’s never been in a while.” Moreover, Cortes had three strikeouts, one walk and gave up one solo home run. Later, the Yankees pitcher mentioned that he feels he’s getting into a rhythm and everything really was flowing. About the home run he gave up, Cortes mentioned, “Gave up that bomb.” Nevertheless, Nestor Cortes feels everything was pretty easygoing for him. He was happy to throw strikes and pound the zone.
Moreover, Cortes successfully commanded the pitches. Later, he also mentioned that he was happy with his pace. Moreover, the nice, hot day really helped Cortes to get his rhythm back. Overall, he felt really great. At the end of the day, it is great news for the New York Yankees. Last year, Cortes could make only 12 starts for the team. Finally, a shoulder strain cut his 2023 season short. However, Nestor Cortes would not want to put too much pressure on his shoulders by flashing the funky semi-submarine slot. At first, he wants to know that his shoulder is “All the way back.”
Yankees Manager Also Feels Positive About Nestor’s Health
Lately, Aaron Boone mentioned Cortes looked good all spring. Moreover, the manager feels the pitcher should keep going with it. It is exciting, says Boone, to see Cortes having an impressive bounce back between outings. Moreover, Nestor Cortes mentioned that he is focusing on increasing his workload gradually.
He says he is cautiously optimistic. After Monday’s start, Cortes felt so good that he said, “It feels like a week since I last pitched because it was so good.” Moreover, Cortes feels the buildup and workload will be great because of how he felt. And he emphasized staying on schedule with his recovery.
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