Phillies adding depth to starting rotation with addition of Nester Cortes

San Diego Padres starting pitcher Nestor Cortes. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Phillies adding depth to starting rotation with addition of Nester Cortes

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Aug 19, 2026 1:41 PM ET

The Philadelphia Phillies arguably have the best starting rotation in terms of their top three pitchers (Zack Wheeler, Christopher Sanchez, Jesus Luzardo).

The back half of the rotation, though, has been a troublesome spot with major struggles from Aaron Nola and Andrew Painter. The Phillies appear to be addressing that issue with the addition of a veteran on Tuesday.

The Phillies are adding Nestor Cortes

As first reported by MLB insider Robert Murray, Philadelphia is signing left-hander Nestor Cortes to a major league deal.

Cortes last pitched with the San Diego Padres in September of last season before tearing his bicep and having surgery to repair it in October.

Phillies, LHP Nestor Cortes reportedly agree to MLB deal, per multiple reports including @MLBNetwork insider @JonHeyman. pic.twitter.com/8xYdfv3CFl
— MLB (@MLB) August 19, 2026

What kind of production can the veteran provide?

Cortes struggled in a major way last season, posting a 6.29 ERA across eight outings. His career has been on a bit of a downhill slide since 2022, when he went 12-4 with a 2.44 ERA, easily the best season of his big-league career.

He has not thrown a pitch on a major league month in nearly a full calendar year, so it is likely that Philadelphia will slowly work him into the rotation and build his strength and lengthen him out in the process.

Will Andrew Painter be the odd man out?

Painter was expected to be a key part of the Philadelphia rotation in his rookie season, but that has not panned out. Painter has posted a 6.43 ERA across 18 games and 85 1/3 innings.

He was optioned to Triple-A after a start on June 17 and was recalled to make a start on July 31st. Including that start on July 31, Painter has allowed 10 runs in 20 1/3 innings. Walks have been a major issue in that stretch, as Painter has walked 10 batters since being recalled.

If Cortes is able to show he can be a productive arm, it would likely be Painter that is shifted to a bullpen role for the remainder of the season.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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