Yankees World Series Notes: Jon Berti's injury, bullpen plan for Nestor Cortes

The 2024 World Series between the Yankees and the Los Angeles Dodgers begins Friday and manager Aaron Boone, as well as some players, spoke to the media about various topics including the roster, injuries and more.

Why Jon Berti is not on World Series roster

When the Yankees released their World Series roster on Friday, the exclusion of Berti was surprising. He is an important infield depth piece and adds much-needed speed to the bench.

Speculation swirled around the decision but Boone confirmed that Berti is not on the roster because of a hip flexor injury he suffered in Game 4 of the ALCS against the Cleveland Guardians.

"He hurt himself in Game 4 when he scored that run. He wasn't going to be able to be available to use in Game 5 and was hoping to get through," Boone explained. "Unfortunately, time ran out for him to be ready. That's a blow for us, he plays a really important role for us."

Berti appeared in four games between the ALDS and ALCS, going 2-for-11 with a walk but his absence makes the Yankees less of a threat to steal bases.

Plan for Nestor Cortes out of bullpen

Berti being left off allowed for Cortes to join the team. The southpaw wil not be a starter in the World Series but he is able to give the Yankees a left-handed option out of the bullpen. Cortes and Boone spoke about the left-hander's role heading into Game 1.

"Left-lefty matchups are going to be the best runways for me," Cortes said of his usage out of the bullpen. "I think one inning is what we're looking for, it might be two ups where I face someone with two outs and come back out for another hitter or two."

Cortes hasn't pitched since Sept. 18 after he went down with a UCL injury. The 29-year-old rehabbed his elbow but the Yankees felt it was best if he missed the ALDS and ALCS so he can rehab it some more. Now that he's gotten through weeks of preparation and bullpens without issue, he and the team are ready to utilize him in the Fall Classic.

"I'm ready for whatever's needed," Cortes said. "Once I'm out there and once I throw my first pitch all the jitters will go away and the excitement will kick in."

"Ultimately I want to protect him and make sure he's in a good spot," Boone said of Cortes. "We'll see day-to-day where he's at and how he's going."

Boone added that it's too early to say if Cortes is available on back-to-back days. The Yankees also have Tim Hill and Tim Mayza as left-handed options out of the bullpen.

Jazz Chisholm Jr.'s postseason struggles

The Yankees have made the World Series without their big offensive trade acquisition providing much offense in the postseason. The Yankees' third baseman is 5-for-34 with a home run and one RBI.

Despite his struggles, Boone isn't worried about Jazz and can see him breaking out in this series.

"What gives me confidence is how good and talented he is," the Yankees skipper said. "He's a guy that plays with a lot of confidence. He expects to do very well even if he goes through it a little bit.

"Biggest thing with him is less is more in these situations, especially with how talented he is. It's one of those where he has one good at-bat he's the kind of guy who has that capability to take over with his power and speed. Right now I want him to think less is more and not worry about taking over games."

Chisholm is hitting in the No. 5 hole behind Giancarlo Stanton in Game 1.