Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Wednesday that Cortes (hamstring) will throw one more live batting practice session before making his spring debut, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.
Cortes threw a three-inning simulated game Wednesday, and Boone told reporters after the outing that the southpaw threw the ball well. The 28-year-old is set to face hitters once more in a controlled setting before likely making his Grapefruit League debut. Because of his hamstring injury, Cortes is expected to open the season as the Yankees' No. 5 starter, but it doesn't appear as though he'll lose out on any turns through the rotation as a result of the delayed start to his spring throwing progression.