Cortes, Yanks ‘have weighed consequences’ of potential spot on WS roster

NEW YORK – Nestor Cortes understands the risks of accelerating his recovery from an injury to pitch in the World Series. The Yankees left-hander said that he’s prepared to gamble for an opportunity to help his team deliver a championship.

The 29-year-old Cortes has not pitched in a game since Sept. 18 due to a left elbow flexor strain. Yet Cortes said he expects to be on the Yankees’ roster for the Fall Classic, which will begin on Friday at Dodger Stadium.

“The conversations have been really clear throughout the whole postseason,” Cortes said. “We have weighed the consequences that this can lead up to, but if I have a ring and then a year off of baseball, then so be it.”

Cortes tossed 28 pitches in a simulated game at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday, after which he said he has discussed the risk of sustaining further injury (potentially requiring Tommy John surgery) with his agents, family members and Yankees staffers.

“I’m being honest, telling them, ‘I’m as good as it can be,’” Cortes said.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone said there is a “decent chance” the club will carry Cortes, envisioning him as a relief option who could neutralize Dodgers lefties like Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman and Max Muncy.

In Tuesday’s simulated game, Cortes faced a group that included Oswaldo Cabrera, Jose Trevino and Austin Wells, aiming to mimic what it would be like to come out of the bullpen against Los Angeles. He previously faced hitters on the afternoon of ALCS Game 5 in Cleveland.

“Coming out of the bullpen, I’ll be restricted to throwing 20 to 30 pitches, so they’re not going to bring me in to face three righties,” Cortes said. “I know those are the guys I’m going to face. It’s a tough task, but I know I’m able to do it.”

Cortes was 9-10 with a 3.77 ERA in 31 games (30 starts) this season, ranking second on the team in innings (174 1/3) and third in strikeouts (162). He said he has been lobbying to be activated since the beginning of the postseason.

According to Cortes, general manager Brian Cashman refused to entertain the idea during the AL Division Series against the Royals. Boone acknowledged that there was temptation to do it when right-hander Ian Hamilton was injured during the AL Championship Series, but ultimately the club opted to activate right-hander Mark Leiter Jr. instead.

“The guys have definitely picked up everything and performed absolutely incredible,” Cortes said. “Those games in Cleveland were tough to watch, not being able to do anything or help contribute. But these guys have shown that we are the team, and this is the team to win it. Hopefully I can just be another guy in there to help this team accomplish that goal.”