Yankees’ lefty starter could be the odd man out when Gerrit Cole returns from injury

Cortes’ Struggles and Yankees’ Rotation Considerations

In his recent start against the Rays, Cortes surrendered four earned runs, including two home runs, over 5.1 innings. He delivered 89 pitches, with three walks and five strikeouts, showing signs of struggle, especially early in the game. “I think it’s a little bit with my mechanics, my delivery,” Cortes remarked. “I was able to fix it after the third inning and was able to dial in more.” Despite these adjustments, a Randy Arozarena three-run homer early in the game put the Yankees at a significant disadvantage.

Beyond Cortes, other candidates like Marcus Stroman, Gil, and Clarke Schmidt could potentially move to the bullpen. Yet, it’s essential for the team to leverage their most effective players. If Cortes continues to show inconsistency, the choice might become clearer. Over his last four starts, he has allowed 13 runs across 24.2 innings, which equates to a 4.74 ERA.

Cortes relies primarily on a mix of a four-seam fastball, cutter, and sweeper. This season, his four-seamer, averaging 91.4 mph, has not been as effective, with opposing batters hitting .261 against it. Although his pitches are showing more break than in the previous year, his pitch location suffers from inconsistent mechanics.

As the Yankees consider their options, it seems crucial not to sideline Gil given his strong performances this season. The decision on who to shift could significantly impact the team’s strategy as they anticipate Cole’s return to the rotation.