The New York Yankees are flying high. With a division-leading record in the AL East, the Yankees continue to set up a dominant run as the season progresses. And with almost 50 games played, the Yankees have proven that this is no longer just a flash in the pan. With both their offense and defense kicking into gear, the Yankees are on course for what could be a defining year. And Michael Kay and John Flaherty seemed eager to give credit where it’s due.

The New York Yankees may have been famous for their hitting prowess, but it’s their mound rotation that has given them this record. With aces like Gerrit Cole on the roster, even their rotation pitchers like Nestor Cortes have outperformed expectations. The mound rotation has been impressive for the Bronx Bombers, limiting teams enough to give their offense a chance at outscoring whoever they are up against.

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Nestor Cortes dominates for the New York Yankees

The New York Yankees’ mound rotation has been a thing of beauty. Despite Gerrit Cole not starting the season on fire, Nestor Cortes has definitely made up for the slack with some of the division’s best numbers.

And as happens with most great performers, people are now looking at when he will drop off. Said John Flaherty, “You’re kinda waiting for a clunker from this guy because even aces, even Gerrit Cole, you’re gonna go out sometimes and you’re not gonna have anything and it’s gonna be a rough night.”

However, the mark of a true champion isn’t just how they perform, it’s how they adapt. And if MLB Network analyst John Flaherty is to be believed, that is what Cortes Jr. has managed. “I think tonight, Nestor, the first couple of innings, didn’t look great,” said Flaherty, “a lot of really good swings by the Rays but he made some adjustments along the way.”

And the pitcher has been consistent for the pinstripes in delivering his performances. Said Flaherty, “Nestor Cortes, just every time he goes out there we’re expecting him to dominate and he’s not letting us down.”

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Do you think we are seeing the emergence of a new dominant pitcher? Could Cortes grow to match an all-time record this season? Or do you think he will eventually trail off no matter what happens?