The New York Yankees already named their starter for Game 2 of the American League Division Series against the Cleveland Guardians.
The assignment goes to Nestor Cortes, who had a very good case to start Game 1 with a 2.44 ERA in 158.1 frames over the regular season.
It will be Cortes’ first playoff start in his career, one that has had highs and lows.
Fortunately for him, he is at his peak and performing like never before.
However, for a time before 2021, he was struggling to hold on to a job in baseball.
In fact, he was dismissed by three different organizations, one of them being the Yankees.
Cortes Turned His Career Around Like Few Pitchers In Recent History
Yet, the help of Yankees pitching masterminds Sam Briend and Matt Blake helped him turn around his career in 2021.
Obviously, his own skill and dedication were the most important factors in the career turnaround.
“Nestor Cortes Jr. will be pitching in the playoffs for the first time in his career when he starts Game 2 ‘They said I’d be a fifth starter at best,'” Talkin’ Yanks tweeted, quoting the pitcher.
Nestor Cortes Jr. will be pitching in the playoffs for the first time in his career when he starts Game 2
“They said I’d be a fifth starter at best.” pic.twitter.com/TqSuhtaBnV
— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) October 12, 2022
In reality, “they” said worse things, in the past: that he had no future in baseball.
And they were right: the pre-2021 version of Cortes was a fringe major leaguer, but by no means an asset.
His work ethic and dedication were the factors that drove him to improve and get to the best version of himself.
It wasn’t easy, and it took some time, but he’s here: a playoff-caliber starter ready to take the hill on the most important start of his career.
Not too shabby for a “fifth starter”.
NEXT: Yankees Manager Gives Nestor Cortes The Ultimate Praise