The injury news just keeps piling up for the New York Yankees. On Friday afternoon, the team announced lefty starter Nestor Cortes would head back to the IL. He is being plagued by the same rotator cuff issue that sidelined him for two months this season.
Prior to tonight’s game, the Yankees made the following roster moves:
• Recalled RHP Jhony Brito (#76) and RHP Randy Vásquez (#98) from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
• Placed LHP Nestor Cortes on the 15-day injured list (retroactive to 8/8) with a left rotator cuff strain.— New York Yankees (@Yankees) August 11, 2023
Nestor Cortes Heads Back to IL
Cortes, who enjoyed a breakout year for the Yankees last season, has missed a large part of this year with a rotator cuff strain. He initially went to the IL on June 8 and stayed there until last Saturday, when he made his return against the Houston Astros. He pitched well in that game in limited action, giving up only one run and striking out eight in four innings. The Yankees would go on to win 3-1.
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Unfortunately, Cortes’ shoulder flared up again before he could make another start. According to Gary Phillips of the Daily News, he experienced irregular soreness near his rotator cuff, albeit in a slightly different spot. The Yankees will shut Cortes down from throwing for a month. With that timetable, it is unknown if he can return before the end of the season. If the Yankees don’t make up ground fast in the postseason race, it might be wiser to keep Cortes shelved until next year.
Nestor Cortes said that, as of now, he doesn’t need surgery. He’s no-throw for a month. He experienced irregular soreness after his return start, similar to what put him on the IL the first time. Although he said he felt it in a different spot this time. #Yankees
— Gary Phillips (@GaryHPhillips) August 11, 2023
This news continues a rash of injuries that has plagued the Yankees pitching staff all season long. This specific situation with Cortes is eerily reminiscent of that of first-year Yankee Carlos Rodon. Rodon missed the first three months of the season with a left forearm strain. After finally returning on July 7, he struggled in his six starts, pitching to a 7.33 ERA. Rodon exited his latest start with a hamstring strain and went back on the IL this week. With Nestor Cortes back on the IL, Rodon shelved once again, and Domingo German’s season likely over due to personal issues, the Yankees rotation behind Gerrit Cole is in shambles. That is a devastating sign for a team whose offense is also struggling mightily.
Photo Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Players Mentioned: Nestor Cortes, Carlos Rodon, Domingo German, Gerrit Cole
