Yankees LHP Nestor Cortes tracking for World Series return

Left-hander Nestor Cortes is on track to rejoin the New York Yankees if they make it to the World Series.

Cortes landed on the 15-day injured list on Sept. 25 with a flexor strain in his pitching elbow. He has not pitched in a game since Sept. 18.

Cortes, 29, was scheduled to throw batting practice at Yankee Stadium on Wednesday before Game 3 of the American League Championship Series against the Cleveland Guardians. New York leads the best-of-seven series 2-0.

The World Series will start on Oct. 22 or 25.

"I think he's at least a realistic option," Yankees manager Aaron Boone said of Cortes' possible return. "Not saying for sure, but the timeline lines up to where if things go well, he could definitely be an option."

Cortes went 9-10 with a 3.77 ERA in 31 games (30 starts) this season, striking out 162 batters in 174 1/3 innings.

"He's got steps to go and he's got to continue to feel good and bounce back and things like that," Boone said, "but the way it's gone to this point has been encouraging."

--Field Level Media