Oct 18, 2022; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Nestor Cortes (65) reacts after pitching against the Cleveland Guardians during the fifth inning in game five of the ALDS for the 2022 MLB Playoffs at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
MLB: Cleveland Guardians at New York Yankees
(New York, NY) – Every four years when the World Baseball Classic rolls around, MLB fans hold their breath and hope players will be able to avoid injury – especially pitchers. For the New York Yankees, it seems a pitcher has gotten himself banged up before the games even started.
According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, Nestor Cortes tweaked his hamstring and will be unable to pitch for Team USA as a result.
The left hander enjoyed a breakout 2022 season, becoming a major part of the Yankees’ rotation and making his first All-Star game. It’s not clear how severe his hamstring strain may have been. The left-hander said he has a grade 2 hamstring strain and will not throw off a mound for a few weeks (though he is still throwing on flat ground). Cortes still believes he will be ready for Opening Day of the regular season.
“It’s definitely doable to start the season off healthy and in the rotation,” the 28-year-old told reporters.
Cortes bowing out means only three Yankees players are participating in the WBC tournament. Catcher Kyle Higashioka is on Team USA, second baseman Gleyber Torres is on Team Venezuela, and relief pitcher Jonathan Loáisiga is with Nicaragua’s squad.
Team USA will reportedly add left handed pitcher Kyle Freeland of the Rockies to its roster.
