The New York Yankees were skeptical about how the start of the season would look like in ace pitcher Gerrit Cole’s absence. The reigning AL CY Young pitcher was sidelined for two months with an elbow nerve inflammation injury. While he took the first big step towards recovery, his imminent return isn’t likely.
That being said, the New York Yankees chose to trust their in-house depth over outside reinforcements to fill Gerrit Cole’s gigantic void. While Luis Gil remains the fifth starter, the responsibility to lead the rotation has fallen on veteran Nestor Cortes’ shoulders. And Cortes showcased exactly why he deserves to be in Cole’s spot with an enthralling win over Marlins.
Nestor Cortes Pitches Eight Shutout Innings In 7-0 Win Over Marlins!
In a game delayed by a rare solar eclipse, the New York Yankees crushed the Miami Marlins at home with a 7-0 victory. Juan Soto and Anthony Volpe exploded on the plate with a three-run bomb each. Alex Verdugo and Jose Trevino also contributed to extending the Yanks’ lead to 7-0. However, the most significant contributions were made by the starting pitcher, Nestor Cortes. The opening-day starter, who had an off-day in the previous start, delivered one of his finest outings on Monday. He pitched as many as eighth shutout innings whilst allowing a mere two hits in the process. This is the first time someone not named Gerrit Cole has lasted this long since Domingo German’s no-hitter game.
That being said, the successful start meant a lot for Nestor Cortes. Coming off multiple shoulder injury setbacks, his focus was largely on his health. However, Gerrit Cole’s injury threw a whole different challenge at Cortes, and the pitcher embraced it with open arms. “As a staff, we have to pick up that slack. We have to make sure we’re holding our own and helping us win games until he gets back,” Cortes said in Cole’s absence. As the season progresses, Cortes’ stellar outing will undoubtedly serve as a source of confidence and momentum for both him and the Yankees. With Cole unlikely to return until the first week of June, the rest of the rotation must hold the fort and not succumb under pressure. And importantly, the explosive start will fuel the pitching staff with enough confidence and motivation.
Anthony Volpe Happy To Do His Job In Sensational Yankees Win!
22-year-old New York Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe is set on a path of a breakout season this year. He is far hitting .417 with two home runs and six RBIs in 11 games. Not only that, Volpe has been playing exceptionally well on the defensive as well. In the most recent game against the Miamixa Marlins, the shortstop slammed a three-run homer with a couple of impressive defensive plays.
Speaking on his performance this season, particularly in defense at shortstop, Anthony Volpe said he is just doing his job and nothing extraordinary. Well, the kid’s resurgence has been something remotely similar to extraordinary. After a .201 rookie season, Anthony Volpe remains in the right direction for a successful sophomore season with the Yankees.
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