Carlos Rodon and Nestor Cortés have a head start as they look to turn around a tough 2023 season.
Brian Cashman said Thursday that both left-handers reported early to the Yankees' spring training facility in Tampa, and their performance so far is part of the reason the GM is excited about the state of the rotation. he said.
Even after signing Marcus Stroman to fill a hole in the rotation, the Yankees' starting staff still has some questions behind AL Cy Young Award winner Gerrit Cole. -Especially Rodon and Cortez, who are coming off rough seasons due to injuries.
Cashman didn't rule out adding more reinforcements within a month of spring training, but most of the heavy lifting could be done.
“If everything goes well, I think we'll have a good rotation. That's, you know, something you don't want to rely on and rely on,” Cashman said Thursday. “So we're always going to continue to look at it and refine it if we can. …If we can come across some opportunities that make enough sense, that's a possibility. But other than that. , we like what we have.”
Getting seasons back from Rodon and Cortez would give the Yankees a better feel for their rotation.
Rodon is currently in the midst of his first full offseason as a member of the organization (after signing last December), coming off a season in which he battled forearm, back and hamstring injuries, which the Yankees believe will be a plus for him. I hope so.
“You look really good, good luck,” Cashman said. “I think we're in a more cooperative state this winter. I know our guys are excited. The feedback is really good that the arm action is good. He's obviously got a lot of effort on his tail. Yes, I'm very optimistic that Rodon can get back in shape and become the pitcher we know he can be.'' I am looking forward to overcoming this and starting my 24th year. ”
Cortez, meanwhile, is looking to get back to form in 2022 after having 2023 ruined by a hamstring injury and a pair of rotator cuff tears. Cashman said he hopes Cortez's shoulder problem is gone now.
“All the coverage about him has been great,” Cashman said. “I know he works hard and he voluntarily works with our crew in Tampa as well, so the feedback has been all positive.
“We're certainly optimistic, but we know what Nestor can do when he's healthy. Obviously, he was an All-Star and our best performer before he was hit with injury last year. So we're looking forward to having that player back.”
Cashman said doctors have made Anthony Rizzo “100 percent healed” from the concussion issues that hampered his season last year.
Still, Cashman acknowledged that “the brain is in a difficult situation,” so we'll have to wait and see if things start to take off.
