Yankees’ Decision to Use Cortes Ends in Heartbreaking Loss in Game 1 of World Series
In an intense and dramatic Game 1 of the World Series, the New York Yankees’ high-risk decision to bring back Nestor Cortes ended in crushing disappointment as the Los Angeles Dodgers claimed a 6-3 walk-off victory with Freddie Freeman’s grand slam. Yankees manager Aaron Boone found himself at a pivotal moment in the 10th inning, needing to choose which reliever would face a lineup featuring Shohei Ohtani and Freeman. With Cortes and fellow left-hander Tim Hill warming up in the bullpen, Boone ultimately selected Cortes, a bold call given that Cortes had not pitched in 37 days due to a flexor strain.
Despite the lengthy time away from the mound, Cortes demonstrated resilience. He retired the dangerous Ohtani in a single pitch, with a spectacular catch by Alex Verdugo in left field to secure the out. However, Verdugo’s momentum carried him into an out-of-play area, forcing runners on base to advance to second and third per league rules. This left Boone in a strategic bind, and he opted to intentionally walk former MVP Mookie Betts, setting up a favorable lefty-on-lefty matchup between Cortes and Freeman.
Boone later explained his decision, saying, “Just liked the matchup… he’s been throwing really well the last few weeks.” His choice to pick Cortes over Hill, known as a groundball specialist, was made with the anticipation that Ohtani was unlikely to hit into a double play due to his speed.
Freeman, however, capitalized on the matchup. He was ready for a fastball and connected with one at 92 mph, driving the ball into the right-field pavilion for a game-ending grand slam that turned a potential Yankees victory into a sudden Dodgers triumph.
Cortes’ Comeback Effort
For Cortes, returning to the game after such a challenging injury recovery was no small feat. He’d been uncertain about returning to pitch this year, having been shut down for 10 days after suffering the injury and undergoing a platelet-rich plasma injection in hopes of recovery. Cortes’ addition to the World Series roster was a calculated risk, both for his health and his potential contract value as a free agent next year. If his injury worsened, it could impact his earnings significantly. Still, Cortes expressed his desire to contribute, saying before the game, “I want to be able to contribute and make sure when I’m out there that I’m giving my best and close to 100% as possible.”
Despite the loss, Cortes demonstrated grit, his fastball velocity increasing in the high-stakes moment. His readiness and eagerness to return showed his commitment to the team and the game. Reflecting on the night’s outcome, Cortes said, “Just sucks… I couldn’t come through for the guys. I know everybody’s focused on Ohtani… We get him out, but Freeman is also a really good hitter. I just couldn’t get the job done today.”
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