On the brink of clinching the AL East title with a stellar 92-65 record, the New York Yankees have hit a significant snag just ahead of the postseason. Left-hander Nestor Cortes has been placed on the 15-day injured list due to a flexor strain, sidelining him until October 5—the date coinciding with Game 2 of the American League Division Series (ALDS).
Cortes, 29, has been a workhorse for the Yankees this season. Leading the team in starts with 31 and innings pitched at 174 1/3, he has been a reliable force on the mound. Sporting a 3.77 ERA, a 3.83 FIP, and a 3.65 xERA, Cortes' absence injects a note of uncertainty into a Yankees rotation that was just on the verge of full strength, save for Jonathan Loáisiga's ongoing absence.
The Impact of Cortes' Injury
The impact of losing Cortes cannot be understated. His ability to provide length and quality innings has been crucial in a season where the Yankees have been juggling six starters for five rotation spots. Cortes' recent gem, where he pitched 4 1/3 hitless innings to secure a save, was a testament to his versatility and importance to the team.
In response to Cortes' injury, the Yankees have called up Cody Poteet to fill the void. Poteet isn't expected to step directly into Cortes' starting role. Instead, he will assume the role of the long man in the bullpen. This move indicates that the Yankees will look to their existing rotation to cover the innings left by Cortes.
Entering the Postseason without Cortes
With the postseason looming, the Yankees know that their recent loss to the Orioles, 5-3 on Tuesday, emphasizes the urgency of securing the AL East. One more victory or an Orioles loss will seal the division title for the Yankees. The upcoming series against the Pittsburgh Pirates is crucial, not just for clinching the AL East crown but also for securing a more favorable seeding in the playoff bracket.
Yankees fans have every reason to keep a close eye on how the team navigates this pivotal period. With Nestor Cortes expected to return right as the ALDS gets underway, the team's immediate challenge will be to maintain their strong performance without one of their key pitchers. Marcus Stroman's return to the rotation, set to start Wednesday's game, provides a silver lining.
Strategic Adjustments
As the Yankees move forward, Cody Poteet's role as the long man in the bullpen could become increasingly important. The Yankees’ pitching strategy may need to be adjusted to accommodate Cortes' absence. While Poteet fills the immediate gap, the onus will fall on the other starters and relievers to step up.
The Yankees’ ability to adapt will be crucial. Cortes’ scheduled return on October 5 has the potential to provide a significant boost precisely when the team needs it most. It's worth noting that players cannot be added to a postseason roster mid-series unless replacing an injured player, underscoring how pivotal the timing of Cortes' return could be.
With the postseason berth secured and the AL East title within reach, the Yankees' performance in the next few games will be under intense scrutiny. Every pitch and play will be magnified as they aim to solidify their position and enter the postseason on a high note. The eyes of the baseball world will be on the Bronx Bombers as they navigate this critical juncture.
As the team prepares to face the Pirates in a three-game set this weekend, capturing just one more win will not only clinch the AL East but also provide a much-needed confidence boost heading into the playoffs. The Yankees have demonstrated resilience all season, and now, with Nestor Cortes on the brink of a return in the postseason, they must channel that resilience once more.