“Great mentality, but be effective”; “Just put him in the pen” - Yankees fans respond to Nestor Cortes Jr.’s statement on winning World Series

New York Yankees pitcher Nestor Cortes Jr. is eager to return for the opening game of the World Series. Cortes, who was placed on the injured list on Sept. 25, is recovering from a flexor strain in his left elbow.

While returning quickly could pose a risk long-term, Cortes is willing to take that chance to help his team. He expects to be on the Yankees' roster for Game 1 against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday.

Discussing the situation, Cortes said (via NY Post):

"We have weighed in the consequences this can lead up to, but if I have a ring and then a year off of baseball, then so be it."

Several fans took to X/Twitter to react to Nestor Cortes Jr.’s statement:

“Great mentality, but we also want you to be effective. If you’re hurt, don’t pitch,” a fan said.

“Nestor is all fired up! Love to see it,” another fan said.

“Nah. We can absolutely win it without him on the roster. At the very most, he should be no more than an extra arm in the bullpen,” another fan wrote.

Many fans supported his return, though some expressed concern about Cortes' health:

“I admire it, but he should take care of his health,” one comment read.

“For everyone freaking out, if the worst case scenario happens and he gets injured again they can replace him after the game,” a fan said.

“Just put him in the pen. He doesn’t need to start. But he could be good for some lefty matchups or if a starter can’t get it going. Then Nestor could come in to eat some innings,” one fan added.

Cortes last pitched for the Bronx Bombers on Sept. 18 before missing the ALDS and ALCS due to injury.

Yankees' Nestor Cortes Jr. expresses confidence about his return

On Tuesday, Cortes threw 28 pitches in a live bullpen session at Yankee Stadium.

"It's as good as it could be," Cortes said via ABC News. "I think when the adrenaline kicks in and given the fact that we're on the biggest stage of baseball, I think I'll be able to do it. I think given how versatile I am and different roles I've been in throughout my career, I'm going to be up for the task and ready to go."

Yankees manager Aaron Boone revealed that there's a "good chance" Cortes will earn a spot on their World Series roster.

Who do you think will win the opening game of the 2024 World Series? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.