Aaron Boone reveals details of Yankees' World Series roster with Nestor Cortes update

When the New York Yankees lost Nestor Cortes Jr. during the season's final week, they lost a core piece of their pitching depth who shined down the stretch in varied roles. Starter? Cortes shook off a midsummer speed bump to post a 2.49 ERA in four August starts and a 2.79 mark in September. He likely would've competed with Luis Gil for a playoff rotation spot, if healthy, and might've been able to provide more length.

Of course, that "September" is worth looking at a bit more closely; Cortes also served as the Yankees' closer during Game 2 of a pivotal series at Wrigley Field, dominantly erasing 4 1/3 no-hit innings to secure a save. He wasn't thrilled with the role change, but adopted the playoff mentality of
"anything to help the team" a few weeks early. Having him fill in for Tommy Kahnle or Clay Holmes in the middle innings could've been massive during the ALDS and ALCS.

Somehow, though, the Yankees managed to survive with a skeleton crew anyhow; or, rather, thrive. Now, they find themselves in the World Series, and Cortes' flexor strain on Sept. 24 reportedly won't keep him out much longer. As of Tuesday morning, the current expectation is that he will be on the World Series roster.

Which pitcher will lose his roster spot in order to accommodate Cortes' Fall Classic return? It might not be necessary; the Yankees are considering carrying 13 pitchers after only bringing 12 along for the ALCS. Given how they had to scramble mid-series to replace Ian Hamilton and relied heavily on the same four arms every night (shoutout to Tim Hill), that might not be such a bad idea.

Yankees World Series Roster: Nestor Cortes could be joined by 12 additional pitchers

If Cortes makes it to the Fall Classic and the Yankees raise their number of pitchers to 13, Trent Grisham is probably out of luck; while Duke Ellis lost his roster spot between the DS and CS, Grisham remained on the bench and inactive, failing to register an appearance. Jasson Dominguez has usurped his late-game power/speed role -- and he himself has barely participated.

Both Cortes and Anthony Rizzo represented underrated late-season losses for these Yankees; Cortes looked prepared to be a high-upside swingman, and Rizzo's defense helped catalyze a scattered infield late in the year. Ironically, it now looks like both will return, though Rizzo's bat has done more talking so far in October, and his glove has lagged behind.

Who knows what variety of funk Cortes' return will bring? Regardless, it's impressive the Yankees have gotten this far without him.