Typically, a pitcher will do that a few times before returning from injury. If all goes well for the player and team, it sounds like Cortes will have time to check those boxes by the time the Yankees make it to the final round of the playoffs.

The lefty threw batting practice at the Stadium Wednesday. "I think he's at least a realistic option," Aaron Boone said.

Nestor Cortes is on track to possibly be added to the New York Yankees roster if they advance to the World Series.