Aaron Boone responded to Nestor Cortes Jr.’s comments after latest bullpen start (Source: Imagn)

The New York Yankees pitching staff has managed two shutout games against the Chicago Cubs so far. While their starters’ performance is not something manager Aaron Boone is concerned about, he has other things to take care of, especially after Nestor Cortes Jr. was pushed into a bullpen role.

With Clarke Schmidt returning to the rotation after an IL stint, Cortes Jr. was selected to piggyback him for the second game against the Cubs. He was very strong on the mound, going hitless in 4.1 innings pitched and earning three strikeouts. However, he voiced his displeasure about having to come from the bullpen.

“Obviously, I was upset,” Cortes said after the game. “I felt like I’ve been, amongst all the starters, the workhorse here … Now they do this. But I’m never going to back down from a challenge. I’m never going to leave my teammates out to dry. You’re always going to get my best effort no matter if I’m happy or not.”Before the series finale against the Cubs on Sunday, Aaron Boone discussed the situation, saying:

“I don’t need everyone to be happy with everything. I want them wanting and expecting the best. There comes a time when you got to make difficult decisions and then it is on all of us, the players, to go out there and do your job and be a pro. That’s what we saw with Nestor yesterday, clearly wants to be starting and is now going back into the rotation.”

Aaron Boone discusses possible permanent move to bullpen for Nestor Cortes Jr.

The Yankees manager was also questioned whether the team was considering a more permanent move for Cortes to the bullpen. Boone didn’t give a definite answer but is certain that the 29-year-old will be handy in any role he gets.

“I am not surprised he excelled in that role because he has done that in the past … I feel he is capable whether he is starting, whether it is coming in a big situation or whether it is about getting big outs for the team,” Boone said.

For the time being, Nestor Cortes Jr. will regain his place in the starting rotation and is expected to start against the Red Sox in the following week. However, New York is not expected to continue with a six-man rotation with Schmidt and Luis Gil back from the IL.