Nestor CortesSP | Yankees

Nestor Cortes Roughed Up In Spring Debut SaturdayMarch 18, 2023 | 07:20 PM

New York Yankees left-hander Nestor Cortes (hamstring) made his Grapefruit League debut on Saturday against the Toronto Blue Jays and didn't have a great time on the mound. Cortes allowed three hits (two home runs) and five earned runs while walking three and striking out four in 3 1/3 innings of work. Although it wasn't the outing he'd like to have had, the most important thing is that Cortes is healthy and on track to be ready for Opening Day, which is important for the Yankees' starting rotation with both Carlos Rodon and Frankie Montas already hurt. The 28-year-old southpaw's spring debut was delayed due to a Grade 2 hamstring strain that he suffered early in camp. Cortes isn't dominant in the strikeout department, but he remains a key piece of New York's 2023 rotation.