With the return of right-handed starting pitcher Clarke Schmidt to the rotation on Saturday, the Yankees made a strategic decision by shifting left-handed pitcher Nestor Cortes to the bullpen. The move paid off handsomely as the Yankees blanked the Chicago Cubs in a 2–0 victory, using just Schmidt and Cortes to handle the entire contest. Clarke Schmidt Delivers in Return to Yankees’ Rotation Schmidt pitched 4.
2 scoreless innings, allowing four hits while striking out two batters. Though he faced some pressure at times, he managed to work his way out of tough spots with resilience and composure. His return provides a significant boost to the Yankees’ rotation, adding depth and reliability as the team gears up for the final stretch of the season.
Nestor Cortes Shines in Relief Role Cortes, normally a starter, was dominant in a 4.1-inning relief appearance, not allowing a hit and striking out three batters. Entering the game with a 4.
08 ERA on the season, Cortes demonstrated his ability to adapt to the bullpen role, showcasing his versatility and value to the team. Despite having a 3.97 ERA on the season as a starter, Cortes is proving to be a key relief option.
His arsenal includes a four-seam fastball, cutter, and sweeper, with his fastball averaging 92 mph—one of his most effective pitches. While he could still be considered for the rotation in the future, his success out of the bullpen provides the Yankees with an additional weapon for critical situations. Strategic .