(Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
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Despite not having his best year, losing Nestor Cortes Jr. to a left rotator cuff sprain in early June was definitely a blow for the New York Yankees.
After all, Cortes had been extremely good for the team in 2021 and 2022.
After a few weeks resting, throwing, and rehabbing, it finally looks like Cortes is getting close to a return.
First, however, he will have to pass a test: consistently retiring minor league hitters.
That will happen on Friday night, according to the Somerset Patriots (the Yankees Double-A affiliate).
โThe Yankees have announced that LHP Nestor Cortes is scheduled to make a rehab start for the Somerset Patriots tonight,โ the Patriots account tweeted.
๐๐๐ญ’๐ฌ ๐๐๐ญ ๐๐๐ฌ๐ญ๐ฒ, ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐๐ซ๐ฌ๐๐ญ!
The @Yankees have announced that LHP Nestor Cortes is scheduled to make a rehab start for the Somerset Patriots tonight. #RepBX pic.twitter.com/7bone15E7P
โ Somerset Patriots (@SOMPatriots) July 28, 2023
It will be a nice test for Cortes, who needs to show he can get everything back: his velocity, the cut on his cutter, and his ability to consistently locate his arsenal.
As stated, Cortes wasnโt at his best before going down, as he had a 5.19 ERA in 59.2 frames.
Still, the Yankees are confident he can get back on track and be an important part of the team that will fight to get out of last place in the AL East and, potentially, secure a postseason spot.
It looks like a tall task at this time, but certainly not impossible.
Itโs not clear if the start on Friday will be Cortesโ final tuneup before returning to the active roster or if he will need another outing in the minors.
For now, the Yankees are hoping he comes out of Fridayโs start healthy.
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