With a couple of days left for World Series, both New York Yankees and LA Dodgers are getting their preparations right. While the Yanks are conducting live BP sessions at the Yankee Stadium, the Dodgers Stadium is getting ready to host the opening game October 25.
Meanwhile, New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone is yet to release the full fledged roster for World Series as he is gauging injured pitcher Nestor Cortes’ readiness. The pitching depth has been the talk of the town and if reports are to be believed, the Yanks can have an extensive depth.
Nestor Cortes To Likely Bolster Yankees Bullpen Depth In World Series Roster
As the New York Yankees prepare for their highly anticipated World Series showdown against the Los Angeles Dodgers, the team is considering adding a 13th pitcher to the roster. Manager Aaron Boone confirmed this possibility during a media session on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, as the Yanks aim to fine-tune their roster ahead of the Fall Classic, which kicks off on Friday, October 25, in Los Angeles. Throughout the postseason, the team has adjusted their pitching staff to meet the needs of each series. In the ALDS against the Kansas City Royals, the team carried 11 pitchers and 15 position players. Then, for the ALCS against the Cleveland Guardians, they increased their pitching depth by adding a 12th pitcher and 14 position players.
Now, as they face a formidable Dodgers lineup, skipper Aaron Boone acknowledged that they may add another pitcher. “Could be 13. We’ll see,” Boone said, leaving the door open for a further boost to the pitching staff. Notably, this move would give the New York Yankees more flexibility, particularly in dealing with the Dodgers’ deep roster and the unpredictability of a seven-game series. Meanwhile, one key figure in the Yanks’ pitching plans is left-hander Nestor Cortes, who has been sidelined since September due to a flexor strain in his elbow. Cortes is set to throw batting practice on Tuesday, and if he responds well, there’s a possibility he could be activated for the World Series. His presence would add a significant left-handed option to the rotation or bullpen, depending on how Boone chooses to deploy him. Overall, besides Cortes, the rest of the pitching depth may stay the same.
Cortes Ready To Risk His Arm For World Series Ring
New York Yankees pitcher Nestor Cortes is determined to make his mark in the 2024 World Series, even if it means risking further injury. Cortes, struggling with an elbow sprain, told reporters on Tuesday that he is prepared to push through the pain in pursuit of his first World Series ring.
“We have weighed in the consequences. But if I have a ring and then a year off of baseball, then so be it,” the pitcher said. Notably, Cortes’ elbow injury caused him to both the ALDS and the ALCS. However, now, with the Yankees preparing to face the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series, that opportunity is here for a return.
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