The New York Yankees did not have much success with Nestor Cortes last season. On the long list of injuries, the pitcher was also there for a long time. He had been struggling with his shoulder for a while. But now, he is getting ready to return to the lineup. Moreover, the Bronx Bombers would hope that Cortes stays fit and fine throughout the upcoming season. After all, the NY side’s starting rotation looks a bit shaky at the moment. Indeed, they have Gerrit Cole, who won the American League Cy Young last year. But the Yankees have been looking for another dependable pitcher to pair up with Cole.
In 2023, two pitchers really disappointed the fans in New York, they are Nestor Cortes and Carlos Rodon. The Yankees have invested a lot on both of them. But they did not get the value of their money last season. However, it is not because they did not show commitment or anything. But their fragile health was the main reason for their downfall last year. Moreover, Cortes sustained a rotator cuff strain in 2023 that derailed his season. But he is on his way to a speedy recovery owing to a change in his offseason rehab regimen.
Nestor Cortes Is Ready To Build His Workload As He’s Gradually Getting Past His Shoulder Issues
A second rotator cuff strain ended Nestor’s season last August. Then, in October, he used to have a couple of bullpen sessions every day. Later, in November, Cortes took some time off from throwing. Then, again, from December 3, he started throwing again back home in Miami. But after almost 15 days, Nestor felt the throwing program was not helping him make any progress with his shoulder. On Friday, Cortes told the media, including The New York Post, that’s why he decided to go to Tampa with the Yankees Training Staff. He wanted to do some stuff to get over the hump with his shoulder possibly. Finally, Cortes felt it had been working out great.
He got into a routine of flying every Sunday or Monday from Miami to Tampa, and later in the week, he would just rehab. Cortes has been working out at the player development complex of the Yankees. Later, he flies back home on the weekends. Moreover, the pitching coach Matt Blake talked about Cortes needing to get past the hump with his shoulder. Blake said he lifts weights to fatigue almost so that he can get the shoulder stronger. Moreover, the pitching coach feels that the hump spooked him a little bit. But in a good way. Anyway, Blake noted that he thinks Cortes made the right call to come to Tampa.
Are The Yankees Planning To Use DJ LeMahieu As Their Leadoff Hitter?
It has been a while since Aaron Boone mentioned that DJ LeMahieu might get the leadoff spot. In 2023, the Yankees did not have much luck with their leadoff spot anyway. On Thursday, the Yankees skipper discussed about his hopes and thoughts for 2024. The manager mentioned that once the leadoff spot gets fixed, they can expect to have a great offensive lineup. DJ LeMahieu might be the favorite choice of Aaron Boone for the leadoff spot.
But DJ’s performance in the first half of the last season was disappointing. However, he improved a lot and ended the 2023 season on a positive note from his perspective. Moreover, he has been playing for the Yankees for a long time. Hence, he can take that pressure/responsibility. Anyway, hopefully, the manager and the franchise will come to a decision at the end of the spring training.
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