Nestor Cortes joined the New York Yankees organization late in 2020 and quickly rose to fame with nasty deliveries. Eventually, the starter was promoted to the big leagues, wherein he thrived to book a permanent seat in the starting rotation. In 2022, Cortes peaked and made his first-ever All-Star appearance.
However, the 2023 season wasn’t to kind of Nestor Cortes. After recovering from a groin injury during the off-season, Cortes returned in time for the opening day. But fate had other plans as the starter stayed out for a major chuck of the season due to a recurring shoulder injury. He eventually failed to make a comeback, which raised substantial off-season surgery concerns.
Nestor Cortes Seen Pitching Without Any Discomfort In Latest Social Media Post!
This year, the New York Yankees starting rotation stayed incomplete for the entire tournament due to injury concerns. One key part of that rotation, Nestor Cortes, played a huge role in the imbalance. Cortes was supposedly the anchor Gerrit Cole needed. However, a shoulder cuff strain injury kept him out for two months, from May to July. He eventually returned in August and pitched a dream comeback vs. the Houston Astros. He allowed only a single hit while striking out eight batters in four innings pitched. However, right before his scheduled next start, Cortes again landed on the injury list with the same rotator cuff injury. It was largely believed that the pitcher rushed through his rehab, which led to an unfortunate relapse.
Some Offseason work for Cortes🔥 #RepBX pic.twitter.com/mqu226bVvo
— Pinstripe Strong (@PinstripeStrong) November 1, 2023
Nestor Cortes went through a grueling rehab subsequently. But it all went in vain as the Yankees decided to shut him down for the season as the playoff scenario fell out of the picture. Since then, there had been radio silence from the club as well as the pitcher’s end. Many suspected that the pitcher might have to opt for the surgical route. However, Cortes came out from the dark to debunk the growing speculations. On his social media profile, Cortes shared a video wherein he is seen throwing reps at a significant velocity. Not only that, the pitcher’s stride looked normal, which suggests that he is not feeling any discomfort whatsoever. It’s an encouraging sign for the Yanks, as Cortes will play a significant role in 2024.
Yankees Cut Off Key Starter In Mega Off-Season Move!
Meanwhile, the Yankees have indulged themselves in a roster overhaul process. Hours after the off-season formally kicked off, Joel Sherman of New York Post dropped a bombshell. He wrote that six Yankee players, including starter Domingo German, have been placed on outright waivers with immediate effect. After Monday, if unclaimed, the six players will become free agents.
Domingo German was the only big name in the lot. The pitcher played as a regular starter during the first half of the season. He dazzled with a perfect game before tragedy struck. German was placed on a restricted list over an alcohol abuse-related incident, which ended his season prematurely. Previously, the pitcher has been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons, which could have promoted the Yankees to take the bold step.
