NEW YORK — When Nestor Cortes was placed on the injured list on Sept. 25, the New York Yankees weren’t optimistic about his chances of pitching again in 2024. Elbow flexor strains often lead to significant elbow injuries. Even if this one did not, the Yankees would have to make a deep postseason run for his return to even be a consideration. Chances were slim.
But the Yankees have made that deep postseason run. And now Cortes will likely be on the Yankees’ roster for Game 1 of the World Series on Friday — exactly one month after he was put on the injured list.
“I think there’s a good chance of it,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said in a call with reporters Monday.
Cortes’ availability is predicated on him emerging healthy from a live bullpen session Tuesday. The left-hander threw a 20-pitch live bullpen session Saturday in Cleveland before Game 5 of the American League Championship Series. The Yankees beat the Guardians that night to win their first AL pennant since 2009 — and give Cortes an opportunity to contribute.