Brewers Lose Nestor Cortes: How Will Milwaukee’s Pitching Hold Up?

By Oliver Wiener July 02, 2025 05:43

The Milwaukee Brewers face a critical juncture in their 2025 season following the injury setback to Nestor Cortes, their key left-handed starter acquired in a blockbuster offseason trade with the New York Yankees. Cortes, who was expected to bolster Milwaukee’s rotation after the departure of All-Star closer Devin Williams, was placed on the 15-day injured list in early April due to a flexor strain in his throwing elbow, raising concerns about how the Brewers will sustain their pitching depth moving forward.

Cortes, 30, came to Milwaukee with high expectations. The Brewers traded Williams for Cortes and infield prospect Caleb Durbin in December 2024, a move widely praised by analysts as a smart baseball trade rather than a mere salary dump. Cortes had a solid 2024 campaign with the Yankees, posting a 3.77 ERA over 174⅓ innings and earning an All-Star nod in 2022. His ability to eat innings and provide quality starts was seen as a perfect fit for Milwaukee’s rotation, which has struggled with injuries to key arms like Brandon Woodruff.

Despite the promising acquisition, Cortes’ early-season injury has put additional pressure on the Brewers’ pitching staff. Manager Pat Murphy acknowledged the challenge, saying,

“Losing Nestor for any stretch is tough, but we have confidence in the guys stepping up. We’ll manage the rotation carefully and keep pushing forward.”

The Brewers have shown resilience, leaning on veterans like Freddy Peralta and emerging starters such as Brandon Woodruff and Caleb Durbin to fill the void. Durbin, the versatile infielder acquired alongside Cortes, has made an impact offensively and defensively, providing depth in the lineup as Milwaukee navigates this pitching uncertainty.

While Cortes’ injury timeline remains fluid, reports indicate he is progressing in his rehab and could return later in the summer, potentially providing a much-needed boost for the Brewers as they aim to defend their National League Central title. Jeremy Burns of Motorcycle Sports noted,

“Cortes’ return could be a game-changer for Milwaukee, offering stability and experience to a rotation that’s been tested early.”

Milwaukee’s front office remains optimistic. General Manager Matt Arnold emphasized the strategic nature of the offseason trade, stating,

“We knew losing Devin Williams was significant, but acquiring Nestor and Caleb was about balancing the roster for sustained success. We believe in our depth and the culture we’ve built.”

The Brewers’ pitching staff has been a cornerstone of their recent success, ranking among the top in the league in strikeouts and innings pitched, but injuries to key arms like Cortes threaten to disrupt that balance. The team’s ability to adapt and rely on its depth will be critical in the coming months.

In summary, Nestor Cortes’ injury presents a challenge but not an insurmountable one for the Milwaukee Brewers. While his absence strains the rotation, Milwaukee’s mix of veteran leadership, promising young talent, and strategic depth management positions them to weather this setback. As Cortes inches closer to a return, the Brewers remain poised to compete in a tough NL Central race, banking on resilience and adaptability to maintain their playoff aspirations.