Nestor Cortes may be added to the New York Yankees roster if they make it to the World Series.
Cortes threw batting practice on Wednesday at Yankee Stadium as the Yankees prepared to head to Cleveland with a 2-0 lead in the American League Championship Series. The 29-year-old left-handed pitcher hasn’t played since September 18 due to a flexor strain in his pitching elbow.
“I think he’s at least a realistic option,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. “Not saying for sure, but the timeline lines up to where if things go well, he could definitely be an option.”
Cortes has a record of 9-10 with a 3.77 ERA. He could throw batting practice again this weekend, allowing the Yankees to assess him before the World Series begins on October 22 or 25.
“He’s got steps to go and he’s got to continue to feel good and bounce back and things like that,” Boone said, “but the way it’s gone to this point has been encouraging.”
New York and Cleveland will continue their best-of-seven series on Thursday.
