Milwaukee Brewers: Nestor Cortes Is Almost Back—But There’s One Catch 3 Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Nestor Cortes (20) starts for the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers against the South Bend Cubs during their baseball game on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium in Grand Chute, Wisconsin. South Bend defeated Wisconsin 12-3.Wm. Glasheen USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

Milwaukee Brewers: Nestor Cortes Is Almost Back—But There’s One Catch

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By Robin M Adams | Last updated Jul 11, 2025 7:25 AM ET

Nestor Cortes is still on the shelf, but the hope is that he’ll be back sooner rather than later. He had barely introduced himself to Milwaukee Brewers fans when he landed on the 60-day injured list after making only two appearances with the team in the 2025 MLB regular season.

He has been sidelined with a left elbow flexor strain injury since April 6, but it appears that he’s close to finally rejoining the Brewers’ big league rotation. He was initially placed on the 15-day IL, but the Brewers later decided to designate him to the longer IL.

The 30-year-old Cortes, however, has already been cleared to pitch, which is why he’s been seeing rehab work in the minors. He made his first rehab start on July 2 for the Nashville Sounds against the Memphis Redbirds, pitching for three scoreless innings while striking out four hitters in a 2-1 victory.

On Thursday, Cortes was back on the mound, this time for the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. Against the South Bend Cubs, Cortes threw for four innings without allowing a run on three hits while collecting a pair of strikeouts.

Cortes could be a rehab start away from rejoining the Milwaukee Brewers

Milwaukee Brewers: Nestor Cortes Is Almost Back—But There’s One Catch 4 Mar 29, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Nestor Cortes (65) throws a runner out at first base in the first inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

According to Kyle Malzhan of WFRV Local 5, Cortes could return as soon as he’s done with another start in the minors.

“The plan for Nestor Cortes is at least another rehab start after the All-Star Break before hopefully sliding back in the #Brewers rotation. Wants to get to 5 innings and at least 70 pitches,” wrote Malzhan on X (formerly Twitter).

Cortes, who was traded to the Brewers by the New York Yankees along with Caleb Durbin and cash considerations for closer Devin Williams last December, can be expected to be back in the big leagues after the MLB All-Star break. The Brewers will face the Los Angeles Dodgers in a three-game series at Dodger Stadium from July 18 to 20 before taking on the Seattle Mariners in a three-game set at T-Mobile Park from July 21 to 23.

Milwaukee Brewers: Nestor Cortes Is Almost Back—But There’s One Catch 5 Mar 29, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Nestor Cortes (65) pitches in the first inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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