New York Yankees Miss Gerrit Cole, Struggling Lefty Endures Shaky Opening Day Start

The specter of injury has cast a long shadow over the Bronx. The New York Yankees, perennial contenders with World Series aspirations, are reeling from the news that ace Gerrit Cole is sidelined on a 60-day IL. Not only is this a massive blow to their immediate chances, but it also raises questions about the rotation’s stability. Stepping into the spotlight is Nestor Cortes Jr.—can ‘Nasty Nestor’ deliver when the stakes are highest?

Cortes Jr., typically a reliable presence, couldn’t find his groove early in his most recent start. In a tweet made by Insider Bryan Hoch, he noted that the pitcher gave up four earned runs in a shaky start against the Houston Astros. But as fans know, Cortes Jr. is nothing if not resilient. Hoch detailed how he settled in to retire 12 of the last 13 batters faced—a testament to his grit yet also highlighting the lingering inconsistencies.

Can Cortes Jr. be the Ace the New York Yankees need?

Cortes Jr.’s most recent start paints a similar picture. 5 innings pitched, 5 hits, 2 walks, 5 strikeouts, and a surrendered home run. It’s not the dominant line fans have come to expect from Cortes Jr. While he showed flashes of his old form, the early struggles are concerning, especially now that the Yankees need him to be their number one guy.

“It certainly sucks not having your ace go,” manager Aaron Boone admitted to Hoch, “but I’m also excited about Nestor getting that chance.” The pressure is squarely on Cortes Jr., especially given his uneven performance in 2023. There’s an evident decline from his All-Star form the previous year, citing injuries as a primary factor.

The pitcher’s 2024 records aren’t looking exactly heartening, and they come at a time when the New York Yankees’ injured list reads like a who’s who of sidelined talent. From impact players like DJ LeMahieu and Oswald Peraza to key relievers like Tommy Kahnle, it’s a grim reality check for the Bronx Bombers. Now, this isn’t to say the team is doomed.

The lingering effects of a battered rotation

Far from it—they’ve shown the depth to survive tough stretches before. But Cole’s injury is different. He’s the anchor, the guy meant to set the tone. When your ace is out, the ripple effects are felt across the entire staff. Pitchers might be rushed back, roles might become strained, and that high-pressure mentality can seep into every inning.

The Bombers may have the star power on offense to make a run, but the questions surrounding their pitching are undeniable. Every time Cortes Jr. takes the mound, the scrutiny will be intense. Can he handle it? Can the rest of the rotation step up? For the New York Yankees, the answers to those questions will determine their 2024 season.

Let’s be honest, Yankee fans—this isn’t the situation you envisioned heading into the year. But in baseball, adversity is as much a part of the game as home runs and strikeouts. How the Yankees respond will be a story worth watching.

Read More: MLB Predictions: Division Odds and Winning Picks for 2024