When Will Nestor Cortés Jr. Return From The Injured List? Fantasy Baseball Injury Update

The New York Yankees are not having a good season. They currently reside in last place in the American League East and need a lot of help if they want to make the playoffs. The good news is, they already have help on the way.

On Friday, the reigning American League MVP, Aaron Judge, returned to the lineup after a lengthy stay on the injured list. Next up may be starting pitcher Nestor Cortés Jr. 

When will Cortes return? How soon can he help the Yankees and fantasy baseball teams? Let's take a closer look. 

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Nestor Cortés Jr. Injury Update

On Friday night, Cortés made his second rehab start with Double-A affiliate Somerset, and he looked good. According to manager Aaron Boone, the southpaw is scheduled to make one last start in the minors before potentially being activated by the big club. Great news for Yankees fans. 

The left-hander has been recovering from rotator cuff inflammation and hasn't pitched since May 30th. Before landing on the injured list, he was 5-2 with a 5.16 ERA in 11 starts.

Barring any setbacks, the versatile starter could return to the big league rotation for a road series against the White Sox which begins August 7.

Nestor Cortés Jr. Fantasy Baseball Outlook

When Cortés finally does return to the pinstripes, what impact will he have on fantasy rosters? Will he immediately contribute to fantasy teams as they head toward the fantasy playoffs? Yes, he has been fantastic through two rehab starts, but pitching against major league competition is a completely different story. 

The 28-year-old certainly isn't Gerrit Cole. He is talented though, and when at the top of his game, he can be a solid fantasy starter. Although he had a respectable 5-2 record before getting hurt, his ERA was ballooning, and he struggled to find consistency. 

If you are holding onto Cortés in an IL spot, or require a solid starting pitcher option off the waiver wire, feel good about adding him once he is active. With that said, don't get your hopes up that he will carry you to a fantasy championship. He is a very good major league starting pitcher, he just isn't someone you will tell your kids about. 

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