By Juan Pace
Persevering, Néstor Cortés Jr. He has become a key player on the New York Yankees pitching staff. Since the 2021 season, he has been one of the best left-handed starters not just for the New Yorkers, but for the game as a whole. But not all good things come so quickly.
Nestor Cortes Jr. He failed three times to establish himself in the major leagues. In 2018, he made his debut with the Baltimore Orioles and was struck out in just 4.2 innings. He then returned to the Yankees as a reliever, posting a 5.67 ERA in 33 appearances in 2019. In 2020, he moved to the Seattle Mariners and pitched 7.2 innings.
Lacking opportunities, he returned to New York for a third stint with the Yankees. There his life changed, and little by little, he became a fundamental part of the New York cycle. In 45 starts since 2021, he has a 16-7 record, a 2.64 ERA and 253 strikeouts in 249.0 innings.
However, Néstor Cortés Jr. He feels he is not getting the credit he deserves.
“I probably shouldn’t be here,” the Cuban left-hander said MLB.com. “Going into the minor leagues, I was throwing 87-88 mph, I wasn’t big and I didn’t have dominant pitches, so people didn’t see me as a high-end prospect. At best, they hoped he would be a fifth starter or long reliever. That’s why I say I shouldn’t have been here. Obviously, the current is switched”.
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Last year, Néstor Cortés Jr. Along with Gerrit Cole and Luis Severino, he formed a great starting trio for the New York Yankees. This time, Carlos Rodon has joined manager Aaron Boone’s rotation, but Cuban continues in an important position.
His Season 2023 He started with a 2.60 ERA in 17.1 innings with two hits in his first three appearances.
Néstor Cortés Jr was asked: “People seem to think what you do is lucky. Because?”.
Bad islander28 years old, feel free to give your answer…
“I read Twitter daily. People think I’m not real and think it’s over soon. Actually, it can, because I’m not saying it will last forever. I turned around and accepted the fact that my first three years were not good. I hope people will do the same. Every time I go out on the pitch, I try to do my best. I hope people start giving me more credit for that.”.
Every time he steps out onto the pitch, Néstor Cortés Jr. Shows that his stuff is real, very real.
