Nestor Cortes lands on IL with elbow issue in Yankees’ playoff setback
NY Post
Nestor Cortes wanted to believe that his recent elbow pain was just part of the normal wear and tear of the season.
Instead it may cost him a chance to pitch again this year.
The Yankees left-hander landed on the 15-day injured list Wednesday after an MRI exam revealed a left elbow flexor strain.
He said his UCL is fine, but the team is sending the imaging to noted surgeons Dr. Neal ElAttrache and Dr. Keith Meister for additional opinions on the flexor muscle.
At the very least, Cortes will be shut down for seven to 10 days and likely receive a PRP injection before reassessing his status.
Cortes is still holding out hope for returning at some point in October if the Yankees make a long playoff run, and manager Aaron Boone said the club was not yet ruling that out.
Every one of his 23 catches is preserved in his stat log. The same with his 271 receiving yards and his three touchdowns. His 37 targets reflect that he is not one of the focal points — he is the focal point. The leaps into the air to snare the ball and quick pivots and spins to wriggle past defenders are newly minted memories for fans who went from wait-and-see to here-and-now when it comes to anointing this youngster as legit.