NEW YORK, NY – JULY 20: Nestor Cortes #65 of the New York Yankees walks off the field during the second inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium on July 20, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images)
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The Philadelphia Phillies entered the stretch run knowing they needed more from their pitching staff, particularly after injuries and inconsistency created questions throughout the rotation and bullpen.
Philadelphia has several established rotation anchors in Cristopher Sanchez, Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola and Jesus Luzardo, but Wheeler and Nola have endured some struggles and the depth falls off dramatically with rookie Andrew Painter still a question.
“The Phillies have had well-documented struggles in their starting rotation beyond the three-headed monster of Cristopher Sanchez, Zack Wheeler and Jesús Luzardo,” Max Ralph wrote for MLB.com. “The final two rotation spots are currently occupied by Aaron Nola (5.12 ERA) and Andrew Painter (6.43 ERA).”
That made the Phillies’ decision to take a chance on a former New York Yankees All-Star particularly intriguing.
Unfortunately for the Phillies, though, the veteran left-hander’s arrival immediately took an unfortunate turn.
Philadelphia Phillies Sign Long-Time New York Yankees Starter Amid Roster Questions
Following a workout for scouts, Cortes signed with the Phillies and was sent to the minors as the organization evaluated where he could best help the pitching staff.
“Left-handed pitcher Nestor Cortes signed a Major League contract with the Phillies on Wednesday and was optioned to Single-A Clearwater,” Ralph added.
Cortes’ experience made him an appealing gamble. The Yankees draft pick developed into a legitimate rotation and broke out in 2021, posting a 2.90 ERA across 22 appearances. That success led to a full-time rotation opportunity the following season, when Cortes produced a 2.44 ERA and earned the only All-Star selection of his career.
He has posted a 3.94 ERA over his major league career and brought experience that could have been valuable to a Phillies pitching staff searching for answers.
Now, however, the Phillies seem unlikely to get much out of him in the foreseeable future.
New York Yankees Former All-Star Nestor Cortes Suffers Immediate Injury Setback With Philadelphia Phillies
Very shortly after joining the Phillies organization, Cortes has been injured again.
“LHP Nestor Cortes, signed by the Phillies last week and optioned to Low-A Clearwater, has been placed on the IL,” The Athletic’s Charlotte Varnes reported.
That represents a particularly frustrating development for a player who was attempting to rebuild his career and for a Phillies team that cannot afford to lose potential pitching depth.
Cortes could still eventually provide some key versatility for a Phillies team in need of a swingman and big-league pitching depth. His experience as both a starter and pitcher capable of handling different roles gives the Phillies options if he can get healthy and regain his previous form.
But his Philadelphia tenure has now begun with a setback rather than a resurgence.
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