Yankees show that Cuban pitcher can return for the World Series

NEW YORK.- The Cuban Néstor Cortés is in the process of being included in the squad of the New Yankees York in case they advance to the World Series.

Cortes was preparing to pitch in practice Wednesday at Yankee Stadium before the New York team traveled to Cleveland with a 2-0 lead in the American League Championship Series. The 29-year-old left-hander hasn’t pitched in a game since Sept. 18 due to a flexor strain in his throwing elbow.

“I think it’s at least a realistic option,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. “I can’t say for sure, but the schedule lines up and if things go well, it could definitely be an option.”

Cortés is 9-10 with a 3.77 ERA. He could throw batting practice again this weekend, giving the Yankees time to evaluate him before the World Series begins on Oct. 22 or 25.

“He’s got steps to take and he’s got to continue to feel good and recover,” Boone said, “but the way he’s gone to this point has been encouraging.”

New York and Cleveland resume their best-of-seven series on Thursday.

Ohtani and Lindor set the tone in the National

It all starts with Shohei Ohtani and Francisco Lindor in this National League Championship Series.

Poised to go 1-2 in the National League Most Valuable Player voting, both teams’ leadoff batters have already had an impact in the postseason matchup between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Mets.

And they know well that only one of them will reach the World Series.

“We’re both in that position where what was done in the regular season is behind us and what matters is how we’re going to produce during the postseason,” Ohtani said Tuesday. “I think maybe we are linked in that same sense.”