Nestor Cortes shines in relief for Yankees against Cubs at Wrigley

Nestor Cortes made a strong impression in his first relief appearance since 2021, pitching 4 ⅓ no-hit innings to secure a 2-0 victory for the Yankees against the Cubs at Wrigley Field. Despite his impressive performance, Cortes expressed dissatisfaction with being moved to the bullpen temporarily, especially after being named the Opening Day starter earlier in the season. He acknowledged the challenge of adjusting his routine but remained committed to giving his best effort regardless of his feelings about the situation. The Yankees opted to shift Cortes to the bullpen due to the return of Luis Gil and Clarke Schmidt from the injured list. This decision was part of a strategy to utilize a six-man rotation, which would allow for extra rest days for pitchers. Cortes is expected to return to the starting rotation during the upcoming series against the Red Sox, although he expressed uncertainty about how the rotation would play out moving forward. Cortes's relief outing was notable, as he was called upon to enter the game with a runner on third and two outs in a tight 1-0 contest. He felt a bit out of place initially but managed to perform well under pressure. His ability to adapt to different roles showcases his versatility as a pitcher, which could be beneficial for the Yankees as they navigate their pitching strategy. Ultimately, while Cortes's performance may have bolstered his case for a starting role, the Yankees' decision-making regarding their rotation remains fluid. The team is focused on balancing performance with the health and readiness of their pitchers as they approach a critical stretch of the season.