Nestor Cortes had been struggling to rediscover the All-Star success he had in 2022 before his last outing against the Guardians. Throughout the season, there had been moments where he showed glimpses of his past glory, such as eight shutout innings against the Marlins and stringing together strikeouts in various outings. Cortes believed that he was on the cusp of turning a corner and returning to his previous form, with just one or two more appearances needed to achieve that. His hope was that performances like the one against the Guardians would become more common.
In a game against the Rays, Cortes pitched seven shutout innings and recorded nine strikeouts, showcasing a level of excellence that had been missing from his past few outings. Despite not walking a batter and scattering six hits, Cortes’ effort would only result in a no-decision on his 2024 record. Considering his injury-filled season the year before and the up-and-down performances at the start of this season, this outing was a significant step forward for Cortes and could potentially solidify his role in the Yankees’ rotation going forward.
Cortes expressed his desire to return to his old self from 2022 and believed that his recent performance was a step in the right direction. His nine strikeouts and 17 swing-and-misses were reminiscent of his dominant outings from the previous season, providing hope for a resurgence in form. Despite not being able to use a certain pitch that had been deemed illegal by MLB, Cortes relied on a mix of pitches to keep Rays hitters off balance throughout the game, showcasing his versatility and adaptability on the mound.
Throughout the game, Cortes made adjustments to his pitching approach, showcasing his ability to respond to different situations effectively. Whether it was using different pitches to confuse hitters or finding an extra gear when needed, Cortes demonstrated his growth and maturity as a pitcher. Despite facing a potentially game-changing scenario with runners in scoring position, Cortes managed to strike out the next two batters to escape unscathed, displaying his mental toughness under pressure.
After a season where he was plagued by injuries and uncertainty, Cortes had been eager to prove that he could replicate his career-best campaign from 2022. His performance against the Rays was a strong indication that he was on the right track and had the potential to regain his status as a top pitcher in the league. With the support of his teammates and coaching staff, Cortes was confident that he was finally in a good spot both physically and mentally, poised to make a significant impact for the Yankees moving forward.
Overall, Nestor Cortes’ standout performance against the Rays was a turning point in his season, showcasing his talent and determination to overcome past obstacles. With strong support from his team, Cortes believed that he was on the path to rediscovering his All-Star form from 2022. By making adjustments on the mound and showcasing his pitching prowess, Cortes demonstrated that he had the potential to be a pivotal piece of the Yankees’ rotation and contribute to their success in the long run.
