Because Game 5 of the ALDS between the New York Yankees and the Cleveland Guardians was postponed due to rain, both teams now have the opportunity to do something different with their starting rotations.
The Yankees have taken advantage of the extra day off and will send left-hander Nestor Cortes to the mound on short rest for this afternoon’s Game 5.
Cortes started Game 2 on Friday and pitched five innings, allowing just two runs on six hits and striking out three batters.
Cortes went 12-4 this season with an ERA of 2.44 in 28 starts.
Yankees beat reporter Bryan Hoch confirmed the news of the left-hander getting the start for Game 5.
Now the Yankees have confirmed Nestor Cortes will start tomorrow, as announced by Cleveland.
— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) October 18, 2022
Yanks Go With Cortes For Game 5
Cortes has been the Yankees’ most reliable starter this season.
Thanks to the rainout last night, the Yankees will be able to start their ace for the deciding game of the ALDS.
Jameson Taillon was originally scheduled to start the game, but the rain obviously affected the team’s plans.
The Guardians have yet to announce who their Game 5 starter will be.
Aaron Civale was initially scheduled to start for the Guardians last night.
Now that Shane Bieber has had three days of rest, it would make sense for the Guardians to start him as they try to close out the Yankees this afternoon.
The postponement of Game 5 last night has allowed both teams to potentially go with their aces this afternoon.
With Cortes on the mound, the Yankees will look to secure their spot in the ALCS for the first time since 2019.
That series will start tomorrow in Houston, where the Houston Astros will be waiting for whoever wins this afternoon’s game.
The game gets underway at 4:07 p.m. Eastern Time.
NEXT: Yankees Insider Shares A Game 5 Bullpen Game Prediction