TAMPA — Nestor Cortez got the lineup Monday night to play against during Tuesday afternoon’s live batting practice, but immediately faced a difficult task.
The left-handed pitcher has gotten some hints about what opposing pitchers are feeling this season when facing a Yankees lineup that features back-to-back hitters Aaron Judge and Juan Soto.
Cortez also pitched to Giancarlo Stanton, Alex Verdugo and Trent Grisham during a live session that simulated three innings, increasing his pitch count to about 44 pitches.
“It’s tough,” Cortez said. “[Monday] When I saw my opponent at night, I thought, “This is another test for me.” But no, it’s fun and exciting. Competition is always wanted and needed at camp. This was a good first step. ”
Cortez passed the test, striking out three in three at-bats (all whiffs), but gave his new teammate some reprieve.
“It’s too early for him to come out,” Cortez said with a laugh. “This is probably my first live show.” [pitching] I’ve been watching him since last season. There’s nothing to it. ”
But the real test for Cortes will be how he recovers in the coming days.
That was his biggest problem last year, as he struggled to bounce back between games and was eventually diagnosed with two rotator cuff tears, the second of which ended his season in August.
Cortez looked and felt good Tuesday, but also noted that the next few days will be key.
“I don’t think it matters that day, it’s [Wednesday],” he said. “Of course it’s a matter for me and the staff how I bounce back and how I recover.”
Manager Aaron Boone likes Cortez’s game, saying Cortez is hitting a fastball between 91 and 92 mph while trying to be “as comfortable as possible.”
“I thought Nestor’s work was good,” Boone said. “I don’t think he’s completely sharp yet, but what we’ve seen in his build-up is that he has all the pitch qualities. He’s bounced back and recovered well. I’m looking forward to seeing how he recovers. [Wednesday]. …As we know, his fastball had life. I thought he threw his breaking ball well, cutter, everything.
“He also threw a good changeup. He’s been doing that more.”
