Nestor Cortes has returned to the starting rotation, at least for now, but added that he would be open to pitching as a relief pitcher in the postseason.
The left-hander, who took the mound in place of Clark Schmidt on Saturday and pitched 4 1/3 hitless innings against the Cubs to earn the win and pitch his first out of the bullpen since 2021, said after the game that he had been a “mainstay pitcher” in the starting rotation and was “angry” about the move.
“Now they're doing this,” Cortez said of the change in roles.
Aaron Boone said he understands Cortez's frustration.
Cortes is scheduled to start Thursday against Boston in the Bronx as the Yankees look to retool their rotation for the final stretch and playoffs.
And Cortes knows the standings could change again when the playoffs begin.
“It's nice to be able to do that,” Cortes said Wednesday about pitching as both a starter and reliever. “I've been a little bit. [ticked] “I was worried about that, but that's in the past. No matter where I am, my goal is always to win. I'll do anything to help this team win. Obviously, starting would be nice, but if that happens, I'll pitch a couple of innings. That's fine.”
The Yankees currently have six regular starting pitchers in the rotation, with Schmidt and Wednesday's starter Luis Gil both returning from injury, along with Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon, Marcus Stroman and Cortes.
Boone said the team will discuss how to handle rotations for the playoffs.
“We might pull one or two more guys,” Boone said, “and take all of that into consideration. We don't know how many of them will play there.” [in the pen] or not.”
Cortez has shown that it can be done, and that it can be done well.
“There was no discussion with me about whether I would stay or not. [in the rotation]”I think it's both a blessing and a curse for me because I've already done it and they know I'm capable of doing it,” Cortez said.
Cortes has had ups and downs as a starter this year, but he performed well in three straight starts before struggling against the Cardinals on September 1.
He bounced back in relief at Chicago on Saturday, entering his first game back from a back strain with a rough idea of how many pitches Schmidt would throw.
Cortés has continued the same habit ever since.
“The fact that I can do that is a plus for me,” Cortez said. “A lot of teams need that. [flexibility] “I have major league experience and the ability to play both roles now. I know what to expect from a relief pitcher and will adapt to what's needed going forward.”
The 29-year-old made three starts for the Yankees in the 2022 postseason, allowing six runs in 12 innings.
The Yankees lost two of the three games.
“I'm always going to try,” Cortez said, “and I thrive under pressure, so I don't care what they want to do.”
