Nestor Cortes threw a live batting practice this week, and will throw one more before getting into game action.
With just three weeks until Opening Day, the 2022 All-Star says he will absolutely be ready to go in the first turn of the rotation to start the season.
“No doubt,” Cortes told Meredith Marakovits of the YES Network on Thursday.
“I think I’ve prepared well enough so far this spring, and hopefully can get into live games soon.
“Just staying ready, staying up to par with the other starters to make sure I can start the season with them.”
Cortes injured his hamstring while running just before the start of spring training, forcing him to back out of the World Baseball Classic. Aaron Boone told reporters earlier this week that Cortes figures to be the fifth starter to begin the season since he is behind the others in terms of workload, but that he should be among those in the first rotation turn.
The Yanks could certainly use him, as Carlos Rodon and Frankie Montas will each begin the season on the IL, and Cortes has been working to ensure there are no setbacks in his recovery.
“We’re activating every morning, making sure my hips are in line…in the past I’ve been the guy to go out there and stretch with the team and go about my day,” Cortes said. “But this spring, making sure everything’s activated before I go out there to stretch.”
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