New York Yankees left-hander Nestor Cortes found himself in a surprising position when he was used as a reliever against the Cubs. Despite being an All-Star in 2022 and having worked as a starter since midway through the 2021 season, Cortes was thrown a curveball by the Yankees’ decision to demote him from the starting rotation. This unexpected move left Cortes feeling upset and questioning his role within the team.
Despite his disappointment, Cortes showcased his talent as a reliever by pitching 4⅓ no-hit innings against the Cubs. Alongside starter Clarke Schmidt, Cortes contributed to a four-hit shutout in the Yankees’ 2-0 victory. His performance was both impressive and a testament to his versatility as a pitcher. However, Cortes did not hold back his true feelings, expressing his frustration at being sidelined as a starter.
Known for his outspoken nature, Cortes referred to himself as the “workhorse” of the Yankees’ rotation and recalled being selected as the Opening Day starter when Gerrit Cole was unavailable due to an injury. This unexpected demotion forced Cortes to adjust his routine, only to be relegated to a relief role shortly after. Despite his disappointment, Cortes emphasized his commitment to giving his best effort regardless of the circumstances.
As Cortes looks ahead, his role with the Yankees remains uncertain. While he is scheduled to start in one of the upcoming games against the Boston Red Sox, the return of Schmidt and Luis Gil from the injured list adds complexity to the team’s starting rotation. With the presence of established pitchers like Cole, Rodon, and Stroman, Cortes faces the possibility of being the odd man out. This uncertainty leaves Cortes questioning his future role within the team.
Despite the challenges he faces, Cortes displayed a commendable level of professionalism during his relief appearance. Yankees manager Aaron Boone praised Cortes for rising to the occasion and excelling in a role that was unexpected. Acknowledging that Cortes may not have been thrilled with the recent turn of events, Boone commended him for fulfilling his responsibilities as a professional athlete.
As Cortes navigates the twists and turns of his baseball career, one thing remains certain – his unwavering determination to succeed. Whether he continues as a starter, transitions to a full-time reliever, or finds himself in a different role altogether, Cortes is poised to face the challenges head-on. Despite the uncertainties that lie ahead, Cortes’ resilience and commitment to his team are unwavering, setting the stage for an intriguing chapter in his baseball journey.
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