Yankees expect All-Star pitcher to return for World Series

Aug 14, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; A detailed view of a New York Yankees hat and glove on the bench against the Atlanta Braves in the third inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Yankees have some pitching reinforcements coming for the World Series.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Monday that there is a “decent chance” pitcher Nestor Cortes will be on the team’s World Series roster. Cortes has been sidelined since September with elbow discomfort.

“There is a decent chance” Nestor Cortes will be on the World Series roster, Aaron Boone said.

— Bryan Hoch ⚾️ (@BryanHoch) October 21, 2024

It is not clear how the Yankees would deploy Cortes, as he has traditionally been a starter during his career. Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon are locks for the World Series rotation, while Clarke Schmidt and Luis Gil have both received playoff starts as well. Cortes could theoretically be an option if the Yankees do not want to start Gil again, though given his recent absence, he probably would not go deep into any games.

In 31 appearances this season, he posted a 3.77 ERA with 162 strikeouts in 174.1 innings. His best season came in 2022, when he registered a 2.44 ERA in 158.1 innings and was named an American League All-Star.