NORTH PORT, Fla. — When Yankees pitchers and catchers officially reported to spring training on Feb. 14, Nestor Cortez had only recently cleared a key mental hurdle to overcome shoulder issues in 2023. was.
Still, early camp outings usually include some kind of disclaimer that you need to make sure you’re feeling good the next day, as last season’s rotator cuff injury was due to a lack of adequate recovery. was.
But Cortez continued to bounce back, stay strong and continue to rack up his workload, which came to an end in the spring when he made his final adjustments Thursday against the Braves with a 75-pitch start over four-plus innings.
The Yankees’ left-handed pitcher will next take the mound for the season opener in Houston next Thursday.
“Every outing this spring has been pretty normal for me,” Cortez said after the 5-2 loss at Cool Today Park. “That was before 2023. Keep building on that. Today was my first day going. [into the fifth inning] in spring.Next time, of course, but preferably 5 or 6 times [innings] Again, keep building it up. ”
Cortez looked especially sharp in the first three innings against the Braves, who rolled out what they expected to be their Opening Day lineup — one that was nearly identical to the most dangerous offensive line in the majors last season.
The Braves lost three runs to Cortez (including a home run by Orlando Arcia), but Cortez began to run out and reached a pitch count with no outs in the fifth inning, but he appreciated the challenge of facing such a batting lineup. did. His spring finale.
“It was kind of an adjustment for Houston because we knew we were going to come here and play against their A lineup,” Cortez said. “I don’t think Houston is any different than them in terms of firepower. It was very good to come out here and face them.”
The trip capped off what Cortes and the Yankees believe was an encouraging spring for the former 36th round pick.
Aaron Boone called Cortez’s work “amazing,” especially since Gerrit Cole is expected to miss at least the first two months of the season, as the Yankees look to get the best out of the 2022 All-Star. needed Cortés’ work.
Back in December, a week or two into his pitching program, Cortes still felt like he needed to get over a hump in his shoulder, so he spent most of each week at the Yankees’ player development facility in Tampa. He spent time in rehab and working out.
By mid-to-late January, Cortez had practiced one or two live batting practices before finally realizing he was ready to start practicing.
“I remember going into December and thinking, ‘Man, it’s going to be hard to make it under 80.’ [mph]”Because I didn’t have confidence,” Cortez said. “When I break 80, I’m like, ‘Okay, now I have to break 85.’ I broke 85. [velocity] I’ve been doing well all spring, so I can take that as a positive.I was almost 90-92 years old, I was impressed [93-94] Consistently. and bounce back. So I feel like I’m in a good place right now.”
That scouting report is consistent with everything Boone saw from Cortez this spring.
“Everything is going really well,” Boone said. “That was obvious from the time I went down here to see him. His stuff was similar to Nestor’s. That velocity, the life to the fastball. His cutter and secondary stuff is good. I feel like it’s in place. I think overall he was throwing really good ball in the spring. … Most of the stuff was there. I think it’s been a good few months for Nestor.”
It’s another big jump from pitching in a Grapefruit League game to starting against the Astros on opening day and all the adrenaline that comes with it. But Cortes has regained his confidence and his health appears to be good.
“Given the situation, obviously we don’t want to take the ball away with Gerrit Cole out,” Cortes said. “But it’s an honor to be chosen as the starter for Opening Day. I know that Booney and the organization have full confidence in me, and I’m happy about that. ready to accept [role]”
