Why the heck did Aaron Boone bring in Nestor Cortes in extras before Freddie Freeman's home run?

The question above is one New York Yankees fans are asking their manager and themselves after their team’s Game 1 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2024 World Series.

Nestor Cortes had a very up-and-down 2024 season, but more importantly, he hadn’t pitched since September 18 heading into Game 1. That’s over a month off between appearances, and while Cortes can be good when he’s on, bringing him in extra innings to face the top of the Dodgers’ lineup was a strange call by Boone.

Fans agreed, and of course Cortes gave up the game-winning grand slam to Freddie Freeman.

Here are thoughts from fans and Boone himself:

Aaron Boone on going to Nestor Cortes Jr. in the 10th.

“Just liked the matchup. He’s been throwing the ball really well over the last few weeks as he’s gotten ready for this . . . I felt convicted with Nestor in that spot.”@MLBNetwork

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) October 26, 2024

You bring Nestor in who hasn’t pitched in a month over Tim Hill who has been an absolute dawg in the playoffs. Bonehead Boone back at it again

— Gehrig Dieter (@GehrigDieter) October 26, 2024

Aaron Boone decided to throw Nestor Cortes who hasn’t thrown a baseball in a month over Tim Hill who had been stellar throughout the entire playoffs

And people ask why fans don’t like him

— 4 Train Savages (@FourSavages) October 26, 2024

My two cents…. don't be mad at Nestor, I truly don't think he should have been in, in that situation. Also would have let Cole go with 88 pitches. I think the Yankees started to look ahead when that got that late lead. Stick with Cole, go straight then straight to Kahnle to…

— Cameron Maybin (@CameronMaybin) October 26, 2024