A New York Yankees star pitcher was recently selected for the World Baseball Classic next year. His magnificent performances this year have earned him a spot on the roster. Consequently, he will represent his country at the highest level of international baseball. So the Yankees star recently opened up on his feelings regarding the honor.?
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Yankees’ star pitcher Nestor Cortes Jr. will be pitching for Team USA at the WBC tournament next year. This year, Cortes Jr. has visibly had one of the best campaigns of his career so far. Understandably, his immaculate efforts have thus paid off. Therefore, joining the Yankees has in fact worked wonders for him and the team likewise.
New York Yankees star describes his feelings after getting a chance to fulfill his dream?
As per reports by the New York Post, Yankees’ pitcher Nestor Cortes Jr. is one of the latest additions to the US national baseball team. So he will most probably miss a significant part of spring training next year. He has joined a pitching rotation roster that consists of Adam Wainwright and Merrill Kelly. The team further consists of Pete Alonso, Mookie Betts, Mike Trout, Paul Goldschmidt, and Nolan Arenado.?
The 2023 WBC will begin its pool rounds on March 8. Whereas, the championship will take place on March 21. Though Cortes Jr. struggled with fitness issues in the postseason, in his recent interview with the Yes Network. he expressed his joy over his selection.?
Last time Nestor Cortes was at the World Baseball Classic, he was watching from the stands in Miami as a high schooler.
Now, he tells @M_Marakovits what it's like to be going back as a pitcher for Team USA. pic.twitter.com/5uvQ6tqtGc
— YES Network (@YESNetwork) December 14, 2022
Speaking in the interview, Cortes Jr. said, “They called me, I wanna say, late October. And they said, ‘Hey, do you have any interest in pitching on the WBC?’ I said, yes. They couldn’t even finish their sentences. I was already saying yes. I mean, growing up, the WBC has been in Miami.”?
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The Yankees’ pitcher added, “I think 2013 was the last one here in Miami. I was in high school when it happened. So going to the ballpark and seeing obviously the best in the world compete against each other was kind of a dream for me. Not only to be playing in the big leagues, but also participate in one of the best tournaments of the world.”?
Nestor Cortes Jr.’s endeavors in the MLB so far?
Cortes Jr. made his MLB debut for the Baltimore Orioles in 2018. Moving ahead, he has played for the Yankees and the Seattle Mariners. Enjoying a great 2022 season, he registered a 12-4 win-loss record. He also collected 163 strikeouts with a 2.45 ERA. Additionally, Cortes Jr. also became an All-Star player this year.?
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Do you think Nestor Cortes Jr. will have a big impact in the 2023 WBC tournament? What do you think of the squad gathered by Team USA? Please let us know in the comments below.?