The long offseason for the New York Yankees finally comes to an end as they gear up to face the Houston Astros on Opening Day. The Yankees missed out on the playoffs in 2023, marking their first October without postseason action since 2016. With over 200 days since their last shot at the playoffs, the Bronx Bombers are eager to kick off the 2024 season on a high note.

Unfortunately, the Yankees will be without their ace pitcher, Gerrit Cole, for the Opening Day matchup. However, Nestor Cortes is ready to step up to the challenge in Cole's absence. The Astros, with their sights set on another championship and their eighth consecutive American League Championship Series appearance, will undoubtedly prove to be fierce competition. Cortes and the rest of the Yankees will have to navigate through Minute Maid Park to secure a victory.

Manager Aaron Boone has made some adjustments to the lineup for this crucial game. With DJ LeMahieu starting the season on the injured list due to a foot injury, Gleyber Torres has been given the opportunity to lead off. Torres previously led off in 32 games last season and will now have rising star Juan Soto batting behind him for added protection.

Powerhouse slugger Aaron Judge will bat in the third spot, looking to replicate his impressive performance from the truncated 2022 season. Judge, who holds the title of MLB's active career home run leader, will be followed by designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton, who is seeking redemption after a disappointing 2023 season.

Anthony Rizzo, who overcame concussion issues during the previous season, has been given a clean bill of health and will take the field as the team's first baseman. Anthony Volpe, a sophomore shortstop, and former division rival Alex Verdugo, acquired in an offseason trade with the Boston Red Sox, round out the middle of the lineup.

Behind the plate, rookie Austin Wells has made the Opening Day roster, but it will be Jose Trevino who catches Nestor Cortes. The catching duties are expected to be shared between the two players in the early stages of the season. Oswaldo Cabrera will fill in for the injured DJ LeMahieu at the hot corner, while newly-acquired Jon Berti will also see playing time as a substitute.

The stage is set for an exciting matchup between the Yankees and the Astros as the 2024 season kicks off. Fans can tune in to watch the game and witness the new-look Yankees take on the perennial contenders. The absence of Gerrit Cole adds an additional challenge for New York, but Nestor Cortes and the rest of the lineup are determined to start the season on a positive note.