Cuban Néstor Cortés threw 24 pitches on a mound in a bullpen session he had on Friday, marking the first time he has thrown since he was diagnosed with a Grade 2 strain, which caused his United States roster departure para el World Baseball Classic.
The Yankees left-hander said he felt “better than expected” in the session, also saying he’s been running at 70-75%.
“I’m trying to avoid making it worse, so we’re going slow on that part,” Cortés said. “But as far as pitching is concerned, I haven’t stopped or anything.”
Cortés took off last year, earning his first All-Star Game and going 12-4 with a 2.44 ERA in 28 starts with the Bombers.
