Another Yankees pitcher is heading for IL

The New York Yankees, who are waiting for Carlos Rodon and Frankie Montas to return from the injured list, are sidelining another starting pitcher.

The New York Yankees starting rotation was supposed to be their strength heading into the 2023 season. But, free agent signing Carlos Rodon has yet to make his debut due to a back issue, and Frankie Montas may not pitch until later this season after undergoing shoulder surgery. Not to mention Luis Severino was sidelined due to a lat issue earlier in the year, but he has since returned.

But, the injury woes for the Yankees’ starting rotation continue.

On Sunday, ahead of the team’s series finale against the Los Angeles Dodgers, manager Aaron Boone revealed that Nestor Cortes is likely to hit the 15-day injured list due to a left shoulder injury. Cortes is set to undergo an MRI on Monday or Tuesday when the team returns to New York for the start of their series against the Chicago White Sox.

Yankees rotation takes another hit, as Nestor Cortes is likely to hit the injured list

Cortes had been one of the Yankees’ better pitchers in the previous two seasons. He started the 2021 season as an option out of the bullpen before being placed into the starting rotation. Last season, Cortes made it to the All-Star Game in his first full year as a starter, posting a 2.44 ERA, a 0.922 WHIP, and a 12-4 record in 28 starts (158.1 innings).

This season, Cortes hasn’t experienced the same success on the mound as he did the past two seasons. Through 11 starts, Cortes recorded a 5.16 ERA, a 1.298 WHIP, 59 strikeouts, and 19 walks in 59.1 innings pitched.

Cortes last pitched on May 30, where he struck out six batters, issued three walks, and allowed two earned runs on five hits in 5.0 innings in the 10-2 win over the Seattle Mariners.

The Yankees will wait to see how severe of an injury Cortes is dealing with. Just when the starting rotation appeared to be getting that much closer to returning to full strength, they will likely send Cortes to the injured list.