Yankees Mailbag: Cortes’ Playoff Push and Judge’s Pursuit of Triple Crown

Cortes’ Stellar August

Nestor Cortes has been a revelation for the Yankees this season. The left-hander has emerged as a key member of the rotation, posting a 2.74 ERA and 10.1 strikeouts per nine innings. In August, Cortes was even better, going 4-0 with a 1.50 ERA and 37 strikeouts in 24 innings.

Cortes's success has been a major factor in the Yankees' recent surge. The team has won 13 of its last 15 games and now holds a comfortable lead in the AL East. Cortes is expected to play a major role in the Yankees' playoff push, and he could be a key factor in their quest for a World Series title.

Judge’s Triple Crown Chase

Aaron Judge is having a historic season for the Yankees. The outfielder is leading the AL in home runs (52), RBIs (115), and batting average (.311). Judge is just the second player in MLB history to have at least 50 home runs and 100 RBIs before the end of August, joining Babe Ruth in 1921.

If Judge can continue his torrid pace, he has a chance to become the first player in MLB history to win the Triple Crown since Miguel Cabrera in 2012. The Triple Crown is awarded to the player who leads the league in batting average, home runs, and RBIs. Judge is currently on track to do just that, and he would be the first Yankee to win the Triple Crown since Mickey Mantle in 1956.

Other Yankees Notes

The Yankees have a number of other players who are having strong seasons. Gleyber Torres is hitting .280 with 24 home runs and 76 RBIs. Giancarlo Stanton is hitting .276 with 28 home runs and 82 RBIs. And Anthony Rizzo is hitting .238 with 30 home runs and 75 RBIs.

The Yankees' offense has been one of the best in the MLB this season. The team leads the league in runs scored (795) and home runs (229). The Yankees' pitching staff has also been solid, with a 3.52 ERA that ranks eighth in the MLB.

The Yankees are currently in a good position to make a deep playoff run. They have a strong offense, a solid pitching staff, and a lot of experience. The Yankees will be one of the favorites to win the World Series this year.