New York Yankees' Nestor Cortes Now Can't Return Until Early August From Injury

The New York Yankees have transferred left-handed pitcher Nestor Cortes Jr. to the 60-day injured list, meaning he can't return until at least August 3rd.

The New York Yankees have made a procedural move on Friday, moving left-handed pitcher Nestor Cortes Jr. to the 60-day injured list.

The following update comes from the Rotowire fantasy baseball portal:

Cortes (shoulder) was transferred to the 60-day injured list Friday.

ANALYSIS
The move clears a spot on the 40-man roster for the return of Carlos Rodon. Cortes is slated to face hitters this weekend and wouldn't seem to be too far off from a rehab assignment, but he now won't be eligible for activation until August 3. He has not suffered a setback, but rather he and the Yankees are just wanting to take things slowly.

When healthy this season, Cortes hasn't been the same pitcher that he was a year ago. The 28-year-old is 5-2 record-wise, but has labored to a 5.16 ERA and a 1.30 WHIP.

Last year, he was an All-Star, going 12-4 with a 2.44 ERA.

He's been with the Yankees since 2021, having found a home after bouncing around the previous few years. He spent 2018 with the Orioles, 2019 with the Yankees and 2020 with the Mariners before rebounding in New York again.

While the move is detrimental for Cortes, it is good to see Rodon activated. He's been out all season with forearm and back problems. He signed a six-year deal with the Yankees this offseason.

The Yankees will host the Chicago Cubs on Friday at Yankee Stadium. The Yankees enter play at 48-40 while the Cubs come in at 40-46.

First pitch is 7:05 p.m. ET.

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