Nestor Cortes has shown glimpses of his 2022 dominance but still needs to make adjustments to fully return to form, including improving his four-seamer command and utilizing his changeup and sweeper more effectively.

By the Numbers
  • Cortes surrendered three runs on two homers by the A's in a recent outing.
  • He has thrown only 39 changeups in six starts, making up just seven percent of his pitch usage.
  • The cambio has shown effectiveness with a .077 batting average against and a 43.5-percent whiff rate.
Yes, But

Cortes' pitching patterns may become predictable if adjustments are not made, potentially leading to hitters anticipating his pitches.

What's Next

Cortes could benefit from implementing the suggested adjustments to diversify his pitch selection and keep hitters off balance, potentially elevating his performance on the mound.

Bottom Line

For Nestor Cortes to reach his peak performance, making adjustments to his pitch selection and execution, as outlined, is crucial for his success in the starting rotation.