ANAHEIM, Calif. — Nestor Cortes is scheduled to throw his first bullpen session Wednesday since going on the injured list with a strained groin.
If that goes well, the lefty will likely face hitters on Saturday at the Yankees player development complex in Tampa, when the team visits nearby St. Petersburg to play the Rays.
That would allow Cortes to slide back into the rotation when the Yankees return to The Bronx next Monday.
“Hopefully, it keeps him fresh through October,” manager Aaron Boone said.
Cortes and Luis Severino both are on the IL, and the Yankees expect them to be back in the rotation by mid-September.
Anthony Rizzo was dropped to sixth in the batting order Monday for the Yankees’ 4-3 loss to the Angels while mired in a slump. It was the lowest he’d hit in a lineup since 2013. He then homered for just the second time since Aug. 2.
Prior to the game, Rizzo said his position in the lineup wasn’t important and insisted his back felt fine after keeping him out for five games earlier this month.
“Obviously, I’m not hitting the way I’d like,’’ said Rizzo, who hit his 29th homer.
Jose Trevino was back in the lineup after missing two games with a sore right toe. He was hit by a pitch on Friday night in Oakland. … Chapman’s leg infection continues to show signs of improvement. … Boone said it would be “odd” to face close friend Phil Nevin in the opposing dugout. Nevin was let go as the Yankees third-base coach following last season and after becoming the Angels third-base coach, he was named interim manager when Joe Maddon was fired this season in Anaheim.
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