Nestor Cortes’ Yankees Stadium return couldn’t have gone worse

Cortes allowed a three-run blast to shortstop Anthony Volpe in the bottom of the second, extending New York’s lead back to four runs after the Brewers cut within one, 4-3, in the top of the frame.

Cortes allowed 11 base runners in the 17 batters he faced, including six hits and five walks. Of his first 64 pitches, only 51.6% were strikes.

Per Stathead, he became the first starting pitcher in MLB history to allow five home runs and five walks in two innings or less.

He was credited with allowing eight earned runs, setting his earned run average (ERA) at an astronomical 36.00.

The five home runs allowed were the most by Cortes in his eight-year MLB career. According to Stathead research, he had never given up more than three home runs in a game before Saturday’s disastrous outing.

Cortes pitched for the Yankees from 2021-24 and had his most success in 2022, when he was named an All-Star and finished eighth in AL Cy Young Award voting.

Last season, Cortes went 9-10 in 31 games (30 starts), posting a 3.77 earned run average (ERA) with 162 strikeouts and 39 walks in a career-high 174.1 innings.

In December 2024, the Yankees traded Cortes to the Brewers for 2024 All-Star closer Devin Williams.

Before Saturday’s start, Cortes reflected on returning to New York as a visitor. Per MLB.com, he said, “I was a little in my feelings when I got here.“

”It’s going to be different,” Cortes added. “But I’m going to be ready.”