Another Yankees Starter Likely Heading To Injured List

Here we go again. The New York Yankees’ snake-bit starting rotation has suffered yet another injury, as manager Aaron Boone says that a shoulder issue that’s simply not improving will “probably” force Nestor Cortes to the IL.

Nestor Cortes (shoulder) is likely headed to the IL, per Yankees manager Aaron Boone. pic.twitter.com/vh52Gln2IN

— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) June 4, 2023

Boone said that Cortes had been experiencing some “achiness” in his shoulder between starts and that he will undergo an MRI exam on Monday or Tuesday to determine the full extent of the problem. The manager did add, however, that he doesn’t “think it’s anything too major,” and that he might only miss one or two starts.

The 2022 All-Star hasn’t quite been himself this season thus far, posting a 5.16 ERA with a 1.30 WHIP, both numbers being greatly elevated from his stingy ‘22 performance. 

Cortes would join a long list of Yankees rotation health problems this season, from Carlos Rodon and Frankie Montas both being unable to pitch yet this year, to Luis Severino missing the first seven weeks of the season. 

Despite his slow start to the campaign, the Yanks can ill afford to be without Cortes for long.

Photo: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports