New York Yankees Star Pitcher Shut Down For Four Weeks

After establishing himself as an indispensable part of the New York Yankees rotation in an All-Star season in 2022, he's only been able to make 12 starts thus far this season, and now after finally returning from two months on the injured list, Nestor Cortes is sidelined once again.

Nestor Cortes Jr. is headed back to the injured list with a left rotator cuff strain pic.twitter.com/qwM3tmr8sh

— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) August 11, 2023

Cortes finally returned on August 5th to make his first start since May, and it was a tremendous four innings, allowing just one hit and one run, while striking out eight against the Houston Astros. Unfortunately, he'll now be shut down for another four weeks due to the same troublesome rotator cuff that knocked him out in June and July.

Nestor Cortes said he will have 3-4 weeks of no throwing. He is hoping to return this season. “It’s definitely tough. If we’re going to make a run at it, we need everyone healthy, not only myself but Rodón and all the other pitchers.”

— Bryan Hoch ⚾️ (@BryanHoch) August 11, 2023

“It’s definitely tough. If we’re going to make a run at it, we need everyone healthy, not only myself but Rodón and all the other pitchers," said a downcast Cortes. 

With Carlos Rodon also on the IL, the Yankees will carry on with an unexpected rotation of Gerrit Cole, a brutally struggling Luis Severino, and three others who likely weren't supposed to be anywhere near the Yankees rotation in 2023.  

Yankees’ current rotation as they try making a comeback in the playoff race:

Gerrit Cole
Clarke Schmidt
Luis Severino (do they have a choice now???)
Randy Vasquez
Jhony Brito

— Chris Kirschner (@ChrisKirschner) August 11, 2023

Another big-time hit to the Yankees' playoff hopes. They currently sit 5.0 games back of the AL's final Wild Card spot, trailing also the Boston Red Sox and Seattle Mariners, who are all chasing the Toronto Blue Jays.  

Photo: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports