After a statistically dismal but physically encouraging spring outing on Saturday, Cortes announced that the cleats he was wearing — denim cleats with an imprinted Nike swoosh — would be retired.
“I’m trying to throw a little flair in there,” said Cortes, who had asked custom shoemaker Soles by Sir to design him something in denim. “I don’t think a lot of people liked it.”
Cortes may smile since he came through a third Grapefruit League start unscathed after shoulder problems derailed his 2023 season and part of his offseason.
The Yankees lefty was charged with six runs on nine hits, a walk, and six strikeouts in 3 ¹/₃ innings in a 10-7 defeat to the Twins at Hammond Stadium. The line looked worse than it was.
On a windy and sunny day, several fly balls found grass, including Byron Buxton’s would-be flyout that turned into a three-run triple when center fielder Greg Allen couldn’t find it.
Cortes’ command was not precise — manager Aaron Boone noted he couldn’t hit the top of the strike zone with his four-seamer — but his stuff and shoulder were OK.
He pitched portions of four innings (he was pulled 24 pitches into the second inning but returned for the third) and totaled 62 pitches.
“My goal coming here was to increase my pitch count, get four ups, and get back into the low 60s. “The best part was that I came out healthy,” Cortes stated. “I’m pleased with my current physical condition. There were perhaps a couple pitches there that I could have commanded better, but otherwise [I was satisfied].”
Cortes, a 2022 All-Star, made only 12 mostly unsuccessful starts last season because to persistent rotator cuff concerns.
Cortes took a break from throwing in November and resumed in December, but his shoulder continued to trouble him.
