After being absent from the Major League Baseball (MLB) mound for 67 grueling days, Nestor Cortes, the Yankees’ cherished lefty, made a compelling comeback. Nestor’s return on a sunny Saturday afternoon at the Yankee Stadium marked a pivotal moment for the New York Yankees as they geared up for the American League Wild Card contest.
A Victorious Comeback
Feeling the weight of anticipation, Cortes knew the onus was on him to help the Yankees adjust to life without him. The return wasn’t just about his personal recovery journey, but about an entire team that relied on his skills for a crucial win.
“For sure, 60-something days was too long,” Cortes had voiced.
The Yankee manager, Aaron Boone, had initially planned to limit Cortes’ pitching due to him missing his final rehab start. However, the lefty made the most of his time on the field, delivering a dynamic four-inning performance that left spectators in awe. His highlights included striking out a season-high eight Astros, allowing a single hit, and one run, courtesy of a solo homer by Jose Altuve.
Boone could not help but appreciate Cortes’ exceptional display.
“That’s Nestor right there at his best,” Boone stated, “Crisp with the fastball, getting it to where he wanted to get it, the cutter, slowing them down a little bit with the slider. I thought he was really, really sharp.”
A Closer Look at Cortes’ Performance
While the outing might have been brief, it was perhaps Cortes’ most impressive performance in 2023. His control, precision, and raw power manifested in the form of his “stuff,” catching everyone’s attention.
| Cortes’ Performance Highlights | 2023 Season |
| High number of swings and misses | 17 (Season High) |
| Four-seam fastball velocity | 95.6 mph (Season High) |
| Increased spin rates on pitches | 4 out of 5 pitches |
Despite Boone not attaching much significance to the radar gun, Cortes’ significant improvement in his pitches was noticeable. The lefty had an intuition about his good day when he was playing catch in the outfield before the game.
Cortes can offer a sliver of hope for the Yankees, given the uncertainties surrounding Domingo Germán’s placement on the restricted list and Luis Severino’s struggles. If Cortes maintains his health and consistency, as seen in his 2022 performance, he could be the Yankees’ ray of hope.
Boone recognized Cortes’ value to the team, stating,
“Nestor’s been a really good piece — he’s proven that since he went into the rotation since the middle part of ‘21,”
Backed by an Unwavering Bullpen
Cortes’ brilliant comeback was supported by the Yankees’ steadfast bullpen, which has maintained the lead in the Majors with a 3.03 ERA. Ian Hamilton worked two scoreless innings, striking out four, while Tommy Kahnle and Michael King added a scoreless inning each. Clay Holmes shut the door with his 16th save of the year.
The Yankees’ bullpen allowed a mere single hit over five innings, which reduced the relief staff’s opposing batting average to a Majors-best .215.
The Astros manager, Dusty Baker, found his lineup at the receiving end of 16 strikeouts that day.
“Usually we don’t strike out that much, but they were dealing over there. Nestor had us off balance, and their bullpen — which was good all year — was good today.”
Other Significant Contributions
Jake Bauers continued his brilliant stretch, smashing a solo homer — his 11th of the season — into the second deck to give the Yankees a 2-1 lead in the fifth inning. Gleyber Torres added to the tally with his 17th homer of the season with an opposite-field blast in the eighth inning.
Notably, there was an opportunity for more runs in the third inning, when Giancarlo Stanton hit a two-out double and DJ LeMahieu followed it up with a line-drive single to the center field. However, Mauricio Dubón gathered the ball and tossed it home, resulting in Stanton being out and met with boos from the crowd. Boone confirmed after the game that Stanton was healthy.
In conclusion, the Saturday game marked an important victory for the Yankees, thanks in no small part to Nestor Cortes’ remarkable return. His stellar performance, combined with the unwavering support from the bullpen, made for a memorable day at Yankee Stadium.
Interesting Facts About Nestor Cortes
Adding to our discussion of Nestor Cortes’ exceptional comeback, let’s take a detour and delve into some interesting facts about this talented baseball player. Cortes has had an interesting career filled with highs and lows, and there’s more to him than just his skill on the field.
- Born in Cuba: Nestor Cortes was born in Cuba and moved to the United States at a young age. His family’s journey from Cuba to the United States shaped much of his life and baseball career.
- Young Beginnings: Nestor started playing baseball at a very young age, which helped him develop his unique skill set. His love for the sport is rooted in his childhood, where he spent countless hours honing his skills.
- Versatile Pitcher: Nestor is known for his versatility as a pitcher. He has a unique ability to change arm angles and speeds, which often confuses batters and gives him an advantage on the mound.
- Impressive Minor League Career: Before stepping into the limelight of Major League Baseball, Cortes had an impressive Minor League career. He consistently delivered strong performances, which eventually led to his promotion to the big leagues.
- Yankee at Heart: Despite playing for other teams such as the Baltimore Orioles, Nestor has always identified himself as a Yankee. He began his professional career with the Yankees and, after a brief stint with other teams, returned to the club.
- Battles Adversity: Cortes is not a stranger to adversity. From his family’s journey from Cuba to injuries and rehab in his career, Nestor has consistently shown his resilience and determination.
- Beloved Teammate: Cortes is known to be a popular figure in the Yankees’ locker room. His affable nature and team-first attitude make him a beloved figure among his teammates.
- Role Model: Nestor is a role model for many young baseball players, especially those who come from a similar background. His journey, both personal and professional, is a testament to what hard work, passion, and resilience can achieve.
Nestor Cortes is much more than just a skilled baseball player; he’s a testament to the power of perseverance, the importance of passion, and the strength of character. His inspiring journey adds another layer of admiration to his remarkable comeback.
