Nestor Cortes wants to do anything he can to help the New York Yankees win the World Series — even if it sacrifices his 2025 season.
The left-hander has been sidelined since Sept. 18 due to a flexor strain in his pitching arm but has been on track to re-join the Yankees’ starting rotation as they look to win their first World Series since 2009.
When asked how he feels about the risk he may be taking in returning too soon and perhaps jeopardizing his recovery process, the 2022 All-Star was more focused on winning than the long-term health of his pitching arm.
“We have weighed in the consequences,” Cortes told reporters in New York. “But if I have a ring and then a year off of baseball, so be it.”
Though the Yankees’ starters beyond Game 1 have not been confirmed, manager Aaron Boone said on Monday that “there’s a good chance” that Cortes will get the nod at some point during the series.
The 29-year-old was scheduled to throw live batting practice on Tuesday.
“If everything goes well there, I would say there’s a decent chance that he could be on the roster, yes.”
Should Cortes be activated for the Fall Classic, he’ll join Game 1 starter Gerrit Cole as well as Carlos Rodón, Clarke Schmidt and Luis Gil, who will likely start Games 2, 3 and 4, respectively.
In 2024, Cortes posted a 9-10 record and a 3.77 ERA.
The World Series kicks off Friday Oct. 25 at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT at Dodger Stadium with live coverage on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+.