NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 20: Nestor Cortes Jr. #65 of the New York Yankees in action against the Minnesota Twins at Yankee Stadium on August 20, 2021 in New York City. New York Yankees defeated the Minnesota Twins 10-2. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
Every curious Yankees fan has watched the second half with the same question on their lips: Is Nestor Cortes Jr. for real? If so … why is he this for real?
The funky lefty has been stunningly good, and a mid-career breakout for a southpaw at the age of 26 isn’t the most ridiculous thing in the world — especially when you stop to think about how he’s a complete change-of-pace for every single batter who faces him.