Ex-Yankees fan favorite from Nestor Cortes trade gets shot at redemption with MLB debut

The New York Yankees acquired one year of Devin Williams this offseason at what seemed like a hefty price: stalwart left-hander Nestor Cortes Jr. and projected starting second baseman (yes, this really happened in December) Caleb Durbin. Less than one month into the season, neither side has experienced the outcome they foresaw from the pieces they've acquired - and it might fall on Durbin's shoulders this week to deliver in the short-term.

Cortes fell victim in Milwaukee to the same injury issue that plagued him last October with the Yankees, when he said he would rather miss a season (after winning a ring) then never try to pitch through a flexor strain. As it turned out, that showy sentiment was no good for anyone; Cortes entered Game 1 of the World Series, made a startlingly negative impact, lost the Fall Classic, and suffered a recurrence of the injury after two starts this year, ringless.

Williams? He certainly hasn't been quite so disastrous, but he's only recently found his sea legs, nearly surrendering a 4-1 lead on Opening Day and a 4-0 advantage in Detroit a week and a half later.

Now, the third piece of the puzzle has been promoted; the Brewers have added Durbin to the roster with his MLB debut in mind, sending down struggling youngster Oliver Dunn.

Former New York Yankees prospect Caleb Durbin called up to Milwaukee Brewers for MLB debut

Durbin, known more for his hustle and grit than his flash, was a surprise cut from Brewers camp - at least to us outsiders, who thought the trade was made in order for Milwaukee to acquire another plug-and-play starter. Instead, Vinny Capra's hot spring made him temporarily undeniable, though his early momentum has disappeared (3-for-31 with a homer to kick things off).

Now, it's Durbin's turn to bring his keen eye, allergy to strikeouts, and surprising slug to Milwaukee's lineup. Through 13 Triple-A games, he's clubbed two homers with a .797 OPS, paired with five strikeouts. That may not sound like much, but it's unsightly production by Durbin's standards; he whiffed just 40 times last season in the Yankees' system.

Fans in the Bronx will be rooting on their former underdog from afar while hoping Williams continues to find his rhythm. Otherwise, regret will begin to mount after Nestor's troubles made things an early wash.