The New York Yankees were derailed by injuries during the 2023 season, an issue that has been a constant for the organization throughout the past few years.
For the Yankees to have the season they're looking to have, staying healthy is their biggest priority. Aaron Judge, Carlos Rodon, Giancarlo Stanton, Nestor Cortes, and others all dealt with injuries that played a big role in why the year was as disappointing as it was in 2023.
Cortes missed time due to a strained left rotator cuff. He pitched just 63 1/3 innings and posted a 4.97 ERA, the worst of his career in New York.
In his start against the Detroit Tigers on Sunday, Cortes finally looked like himself again. He threw 54 pitches in four innings of work, allowing one earned run on a solo home run.
When talking about how his shoulder felt after the game, Cortes said it was the best it's felt in a while, according to Greg Joyce of The New York Post.
“Best it's ever been in a while,” Cortes said.
The star lefty added that everything was in rhythm and he felt easygoing. With the funkiness of his delivery, finding a rhythm this early in Spring Training is a promising sign for the Yankees.
While the offense will need to swing it at a high level this season, how Cortes and Rodon feel could ultimately be the biggest factor in New York's season.
If they aren't healthy, the Yankees will run into the same problems they faced last year.
Sunday was a positive for the left-hander as he continues to ramp up heading into the season.
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