The Yankees needed a sign of life, a pulse, or even a twitch from struggling lefty starter Nestor Cortez. Cortes had been riding an ice-cold stretch of performances for weeks, struggling to snap out of it and offer the Yankees his former All-Star self. Cortes is two years removed from a 2.44 ERA over 158.1 innings, but that feels like a lifetime ago.
Cortes’ Season Struggles and Improvements
This season, Cortes has actually improved his velocity slightly, pitching 141.1 innings, hosting a 4.20 ERA, 8.47 strikeouts per nine, a 73.6% left-on-base rate, and a 30.1% ground ball rate. The underlying metrics look fine; he’s just been struggling to locate and utilize his deviation to strike batters out. He has struck out the fewest batters in his career this season, which certainly has disrupted his efficiency. However, he’s walking the fewest, suggesting batters are making quality contact.
Cortes’ Pitches Analysis
Specifically, his fastball is allowing a .257 batting average, and his cutter a .254 average. Even his sweeper has been inefficient, allowing a .288 average. The Yankees needed him to step up and provide a gem, which he did on Tuesday against the Chicago White Sox. The White Sox obliterated the Yankees 12–2 on Monday, so they needed a bounce-back performance, and Cortes stepped up to the plate.
Cortes’ Stellar Performance
Alongside Juan Soto’s three-home run masterclass, Cortes pitched seven scoreless innings, allowing three hits and striking out nine batters. He tossed 104 pitches, handing the ball over to Mark Leiter Jr., who gave up a run and two walks in less than an inning.
Anticipated Reinforcements
General manager Brian Cashman is hoping that several pitchers returning from the injured list over the next few weeks can reinforce the team. That was partially why he didn’t overspend at the trade deadline for new players. Cashman always viewed Clarke Schmidt and Cody Poteet as de facto auditions. Schmidt is expected to return in early September, and Poteet should follow closely after, offering more versatility.
Role Adjustments for Returning Pitchers
Schmidt has the capacity to start in the rotation but also slide as a key relief piece, considering he hasn’t been built up over the past few months. Losing his consistency as a starter may convince the Yankees to use him in relief, where he can be a high-leverage arm, especially during the playoffs. Poteet has the quality to offer relief support but will likely slide into the bullpen with the Yankees already having more than enough starters at their disposal.
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The Need for Continued Strong Performances
Cortes and fellow starter Marcus Stroman are coming off solid performances, and the Yankees need them to be a turning point in their respective seasons.