MLB Trade deadline: 3 pitchers who could possibly replace Nestor Cortes Jr. at Yankees following another disappointing performance

Nestor Cortes Jr. couldn't find the same level of performance that he has enjoyed at Yankee Stadium on Saturday when the New York Yankees took a 9-1 drubbing to the Tampa Bay Rays. It was the starter's ninth loss this season.

Cortes allowed six earned runs on eight hits, including three home runs. In his 92 pitches, he managed a season-low one strikeout. His ERA is 3.99, while his home ERA plummeted from 2.84 from a cheap 1.80 before the game.

With the Yankees needing a serious restructuring of their starting rotation, here's looking at a few options they can bring in to replace Cortes.

Nestor Cortes: Three possible replacements

#3, Jameson Taillon

The Yankees and the Boston Red Sox are pursuing Chicago Cubs starter Jameson Taillon (7-4, 3.14 ERA in 16 starts), according to reports. With Chicago in a murky situation of whether to buy or sell, the Yanks can play a smart hand at the trade table and send some of their prospects or even veteran hitters. The 32-year-old starting pitcher can directly replace Cortes behind Marcus Stroman in the rotation.

#2, Someone from within the organization

Cody Poteet's injury has created some problems for Aaron Boone. Until he returns, the manager might be prompted to go for someone like Clayton Beeter (3-1, 2.53 ERA). Poteet pitched just one inning against the Houston Astros in March before being sent back to Triple-A.

#1, Tarik Skubal

It's common news that Brian Cashman's management is going all out to secure Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal. The pitcher has been unstoppable with a 10-3 record, 2.41 ERA and a 0.88 WHIP, which ranks second in baseball. These are all Cy Young-like numbers, and some reports suggest that the Yankees are even willing to add their No. 1 prospect Spencer Jones to the trade package.

​