It’s not so easy to replace an ace like Gerrit Cole. On the one hand, Cole Train’s injury left the New York Yankees fans aghast; on the other, looking for a quick fix was utterly important. The good news is, that the Yankees have found their man – Nestor Cortes. But is the injury-prone pitcher going to be reliable enough to fill in the 2023 AL Cy Young winner’s shoes?

The hopes that “Nestor Cortes will bring the “nasty” on Opening Day” continues. But to what extent is he a great fit for Cole’s place? While fans get to witness the season opener on March 28 at Minute Maid Park against the Houston Astros without Cole, there is excitement to see how far Cortes can take it. Amid the uncertainty mingled with excitement, the prevalent emotions are complicated. Comments on social media about this could be compiled into a book!

How Did Nestor Cortes Become the Yankees’ Starting Pitcher Choice?

Manager, Aaron Boone declared that his choice before sharing that the 29-year-old Cortes is now “ready to go.” He is expected to be seen pitching against the Astros left-hander Framber Valdez. Further clarifying his decision, Boone said, “I think he’s been excited about his buildup here since he started his throwing program a couple of months ago. He feels ready to go and ready to do it.”

Cortes too weighed in on this decision as he realized that the current situation was “not ideal”, but he appreciated the opportunity given to him. His words were, “It’s special..you’re happy when you’re named Opening Day starter. It’s cool. It’s something to add to the resume, for sure.”

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In making this decision, the Yankees passed over Carlos Rodón and Marcus Stroman, who will be seen starting the second and third games of the season, respectively. The Yankees skipper stated on Friday that he would like for Stroman to be the starting pitcher for the home opener. And Stroman’s response to that speaks volumes of him as a team player – “Whatever we need, I’ll do.”

Here’s What Fans Had to Say About This Decision

Now that there’s the team’s trust and fan’s faith resting on Cortes’ shoulders, it is important to keep in mind his history. Per MLB.com, Spring training was a “bumpy” spring for ‘the Hialeah Kid’. He allowed nine runs and 17 hits through 10 innings across three starts in the Grapefruit League. Not to mention an 8.10 ERA. Acknowledging that despite these numbers the 2022 All-Star is willing to take on this new challenge. 

Among many mixed reactions, one in particular stood in support of the team. “never forget that -at our lowest- this man went out and got us a team turtle #NestorForever”

But even then, some skepticism prevails, as fans hope for that golden arm. “Just got to hope he can regain his All-Star form.”

One among others, did not seem too pleased with Cortes starting, as they stated, “Oh Jesus I’m not feeling that decision”

Taking a light-hearted dig at his mustache, one fan cheered Cortes on, “Wax your mustache and let’s Rock!!”

More words of resonance came as this fan joined the others in support of the decision in all caps, “IT WAS ALWAYS NESTOR”

Despite having to deal with a rotator cuff strain in the 2023 season, Nasty Nestor is back all ready to take on the responsibility for the team. The bitter-sweet reaction from the fans is understandable.

Read More : New York Yankees Hit by Pitching Curse Again, Is 2023 Repeating Itself Amidst Gerrit Cole’s Injury Scare?

However, it is the potent planning on the part of Boone that makes one wonder – what if this does not go the way it was planned? Good news or bad news, it’s too soon to jump to conclusions. One can only wait and watch. While you wonder what happens next, take a while to tune into the ES FanCast live stream – MLB Spring Breakout Live On ES Fancast.