At least for one turn, Nestor Cortes returned to the Yankees starting rotation with a strong showing following a stellar relief outing last weekend. The former All-Star lefty worked five innings of one-run ball Thursday night in the opener of a four-game series against the Red Sox, with the Yankees eventually at the Stadium. Cortes initially had after working 4 / innings of no-hit ball to earn a win in relief of returning starter Clarke Schmidt in a 2-0 win last Saturday against the Cubs at Wrigley Field. New York Yankees pitcher Nestor Cortes to sed a solid out against the rival Red Sox. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST Greg Garcia Jersey Im just trying to go out there and throw up as many zeroes as I can, Cortes said after Thursdays game. I know last week I might have come off like I was asking for too much, but I got my point acro s, and at the end of the day, Im going to do whatever this team needs for me to do to win. The goal, we have it in sight, and were two weeks away. All we want to do is win ballgames and get to October. Whether thats out of the bullpen or starting, Im going to be there for the team. Explore More After admitting he was upset that he was shifted to the bullpen to accommodate Schmidts return from the injured list, and said hed embrace any role Aaron Boone has in store for him for the rest of the season and the playoffs. With Schmidts return, the Yankees suddenly have six viable starting pitchers, including Cortes, Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon, Marcus Stroman and Luis Gil. Nestor likes competition. I think, in a lot of ways, Nestor always has been that guy whos proved people wrong, and had to earn everything hes got, Boone said. Hes succeeded in that [relief] role before, so I figured in going with a one-off and going behind Clarke, a right-hander, bringing in Nestor was a good fit. New York Yankees pitcher Nestor Cortes (65) walks back to the dugout after ending the 2nd inning at Yankee Stadium, Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024 Corey Sipkin for the NY POST But the reality is, hes thrown the ball really well the last month, and tonight was more of the same. The 29-year-old Cortes is 9-10 with a 3.90 ERA this season, but he leads the team with 168 / innings pitched. He made the most of his reprieve Thursday, leaving a 1-1 game after five innings (92 pitches) with three hits allowed while walking three and striking out nine. Go beyond the box score with the Bombers Sign up for Inside the Yankees by Greg Joyce, exclusively on Sports+. Thank you By clicking above you agree to the and . Enjoy this Post Sports+ exclusive newsletter! Bostons lone run against him was a solo homer by catcher Danny Jansen in the fifth. No, [on Friday] when I come in, Ill probably ask, Cortes replied when asked if hed been told whether hell make his next start. As of now, I dont know anything. Im going to go about it as if I am [starting], and if Im not, Im not. Andy Benes Jersey