The New York Yankees would want to see Nestor Cortes get back to form. But lately, things have not gone in the hurler’s favor. Fans are wondering about the team’s next moves regarding the rotation. In the last five outings, the NY side has lost four and won one. However, they still managed to hold on to the top spot in the American League East division. There is less than a month to go before the playoffs, and Aaron Boone would not want to mess up the lineup right now. Would he? There are certainly some changes required before they get ready for the playoffs.
However, injuries can always play spoilsport, especially for the Yankees. Aaron Boone is way too familiar with that after what happened last season. The NY side could not make the postseason for the first time since 2016, and they finished the 2023 season with an awful 82-80 record. But one good thing about this year is that the Bronx Bombers managed to win many games because of a couple of superstar sluggers. However, the pitching department must make life easier for the Yankees offense.
Should Yankees Move Nestor Cortes To The Bullpen?
Lately, the St. Louis Cardinals defeated the Yankees 14-7 to win Game 3 and claim the series. Previously, the Bronx Bombers lost a three-game series against the Washington Nationals. Since very few games remain before the playoffs, the team will have to make certain changes in the lineup. The bullpen has been very shaky as of late. Currently, Clarke Schmidt is on the Injured List due to a strained right lat. When Schmidt returns, the Yankees can add Nestor Cortes as a relief pitcher. Due to the inconsistent performances of both Clarke and Nestor, the team had to drop important games. Gerrit Cole, the ace hurler, Marcus Stroman, Luis Gil, and Carlos Rodon are all the four main pitchers of the NY side.
What if Boone adds Schmidt to that group? It can improve the club’s rotation, which has been a big problem recently. Moreover, Cortes will get to lead the bullpen of the Pinstripes. Currently, the bullpen on the NY side has talented names like Tim Hill, Luke Weaver, Tommy Kahnle, and so on. The plan to move Cortes to the bullpen sounds good, but in the end, the management and the team will have to agree to that decision. So far, no steps have been taken to add Nestor Cortes to the bullpen. Lately, Clarke Schmidt has started throwing for rehab sessions in the minor league. The team expects Schmidt to join them soon.
Some Players Are Raising Concerns Being On The Slump
Other than Nestor Cortes, the Yankees have a problem in the batting order, too. For instance, Alex Verdugo is going on a slump. Lately, some fans have raised the question regarding whether Jasson Dominguez can replace Verdugo. Why don’t the Yankees bring in the Martian? Then, Nestor Cortes has been in a slump.
It made the starting pitching lineup look shaky. In 2024, Cortes recorded a 4.08 ERA, with an 8-10 record. Clearly, the pitcher has a lot to improve. On the other hand, Clarke Schmidt started the season quite well. He posted an impressive 2.53 ERA, and a 5-3 record.
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