Former Brewers' failed trade acquisition lands with Phillies for stretch run

Nestor Cortes, a left-handed pitcher who struggled during his time with the Brewers and Padres, has signed a minor league deal with the Philadelphia Phillies. Cortes missed the first five months of the 2026 season recovering from bicep surgery but has recently resumed throwing. The Phillies, currently five games behind the Cubs for a Wild Card spot, can promote him to their major league roster if he proves healthy in the minors. Cortes previously posted a 2.61 ERA with the Yankees but posted a 5.47 ERA in six starts with the Padres before his latest injury.

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