Nestor Cortes Undergoes Successful Arm Surgery, Out 9–10 Months

Overview

• San Diego Padres pitcher Nestor Cortes Jr. announced on social media that surgery to repair a torn tendon in his throwing arm was successful.
• Reporting projects a return to baseball activities around the 2026 All-Star break, with any MLB action likely pushed to late 2026 or potentially in a relief role if rehab progresses smoothly.
• Cortes dealt with multiple 2025 setbacks, including a second straight-year flexor strain and a September shutdown for a biceps strain.
• He was traded twice in 2025, moving from the Yankees to the Brewers in a deal involving Devin Williams and Caleb Durbin, then to the Padres for outfielder Brandon Lockridge.
• After the trades, he made six starts for San Diego with a 5.47 ERA over 26 1/3 innings as his fastball velocity dipped and hitters punished the pitch.