New York Yankees veteran All-Star starter Nestor Cortes has faced multiple challenges this MLB season. The flamethrower has struggled to maintain his health. Initially regarded as a key part of the rotation, Cortes succumbed under pressure. So far, he has had 12 starts in which he recorded a 4.97 ERA while allowing 11 home runs.
In June, Nestor Cortes suffered from left shoulder cuff strain which forced him to shut down throwing activities for weeks. The pitcher gradually recovered through cortisone shots and appropriate rehab before eventually returning to the rotation last week. However, after just one start, Cortes’ injury has apparently relapsed, which has put his future participation in the season in question.
Nestor Cortes’ Shoulder Injury Relapses, Lands Him On 15-Day IL
New York Yankees flamethrower Nestor Cortes suffered from a strained left rotator cuff, which kept him out for two months. It was just this last Friday that the pitcher made his much-awaited and crucial return. He made a start against Astros and recorded a good number of strikeouts. Cortes looked fine, with no signs of discomfort. Hence, the club’s announcement on Friday came as a massive shock to fans. Apparently, the pitcher had not recovered properly from his cuff strain which led to a relapse. Subsequently, Nestor Cortes has landed on 15-day IL with no set return timeline. Cortes addressed the issue and said that the team is yet to receive a full detailed report on his injury diagnosis. He just came to know about the IL stint after he came to the stadium for the Marlins matchup.
Having said that, Nestor Cortes did admit that he has been told to stop throwing a baseball for four long weeks. While the pitcher is hopeful f a return to his season, the possibilities are bleak. The last time he strained his rotator cuff, it took him more than eight weeks to regain match-level fitness. Further, Yankees manager Aaron Boone said that he feels bad for Cortes. He has worked really hard in rehab to get back, and to be down again with the same issues is disappointing. It seems he didn’t recover properly. Boone, however, refused to put a return date. He said that they would monitor the pitcher’s recovery in a few weeks and then come to a conclusion. As of now, every possibility is on the table.
Yankees Recall Jhony Brito, Randy Vasquez From Triple-A
In the aftermath of Nestor Cortes’ injury relapse, the New York Yankees have recalled right-handed relievers Jhony Brito and Randy Vasquez from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. That being said, there is a possibility that both relievers could be promoted to rotation. Prior to Cortes, starter Carlos Rodon also landed on IL with a hamstring strain.
Hence, multiple roster spots are empty, and the Yankees are low on fresh arms. Meanwhile, the injuries are working in favor of right-hander Luis Severino, who remains on the verge of losing the rotation spot due to horrific outings. With the recurring injuries, Severino is set to receive another chance this week. He is on schedule to make a start on Friday against the Atlanta Braves.
