Yankees left-hander Nestor Cortes recently expressed his frustration over being used as a reliever against the Cubs. Cortes, who had been a starter for the team since the middle of the 2021 season, was taken by surprise by his demotion from the starting rotation. Despite his disappointment, he acknowledged that he would accept the new role if it becomes a permanent change.
After pitching 4⅓ no-hit relief innings at Wrigley Field in a game against the Cubs, Cortes did not hold back in expressing his feelings about the situation. Referring to himself as the “workhorse” of New York’s rotation, Cortes pointed out that he was chosen as the Opening Day starter in place of ace Gerrit Cole, who was dealing with an injury at the start of the season. This unexpected shift in roles left Cortes feeling upset and disappointed.
Despite his strong performance in relief against the Cubs, Cortes faces uncertainty about his role going forward. As the Yankees prepare to return to a five-man starting rotation, Cortes may be at risk of losing his spot in the rotation. With pitchers like Clarke Schmidt and Luis Gil returning from the injured list, Cortes could potentially be the odd man out on the team.
Boone’s Response
Yankees manager Aaron Boone commended Cortes for his professionalism and performance in the relief role. Boone acknowledged that while Cortes may not have been thrilled with the change, he still delivered a strong outing. Boone emphasized the importance of players fulfilling their responsibilities and executing their duties, regardless of any personal disappointments.
As Cortes prepares to start one of the upcoming games against the Boston Red Sox, his future role on the team remains uncertain. Cortes, who has shown both strengths and weaknesses in his recent outings, will need to continue to prove himself to secure a permanent spot in the starting rotation. The competition for pitching roles on the Yankees is fierce, and Cortes will need to consistently deliver standout performances to solidify his position on the team.
Overall, Nestor Cortes’ struggles with his new role as a reliever highlight the challenges that professional athletes face in adapting to unexpected changes. While Cortes has demonstrated resilience and determination in accepting the shift in his responsibilities, he must continue to prove himself on the field to secure his spot in the team’s starting rotation. As the season progresses, Cortes will have to rise to the occasion and demonstrate his value to the Yankees’ pitching staff.
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