Nestor Cortes will play catch on Sunday, according to New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone, according to Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News.
Nestor Cortes will be throwing for the first time since he was put on the 15-day injured list due to an elbow ailment. The fact that he was expected to start Game 3 of the ALDS was a major setback to the Yankees’ pitching staff this playoffs. After defeating the Kansas City Royals 6-5 on Saturday, New York leads the series 1-0; however, Aaron Boone must still choose between Luis Gil and Clarke Schmidt to start Game 3. Before the series moves to Kansas City, Carlos Rodon will start Game 2 in the Bronx, following Gerrit Cole’s opening start in Game 1.
The Yankees had hoped that Cortes would be able to play again in the postseason, either as a starting pitcher or out of the bullpen, when they learnt more about his injuries. It would be intriguing to see if Cortes makes the roster if New York is able to make it to the ALCS.
The margin was slim in Game 1 as the Yankees squeaked out a 6-5 victory over the Royals. Cole did not have his best stuff, and Anthony Volpe made a critical error that led to two runs for Kansas City, and Aaron Judge struggled overall on the night. Still, the Yankees were able to come away with a win.
It will be a big test for the Yankees in Game 2, as Rodon will go up against the Royals’ best pitcher, Cole Ragans. It would be huge if New York can pick up a win to go up 2-0 in the series heading to Kansas City.
If the Yankees advance, they would play the winner of the Detroit Tigers and Cleveland Indians series. No matter the opponent, New York would have home field advantage.
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