Padres Pursue NL West Title as Nestor Cortes Readies for Return
As the MLB regular season races toward its conclusion, the San Diego Padres remain firmly in the hunt for the NL West crown. With just 10 games left in the season, the Padres find themselves only two games adrift of the division-leading Los Angeles Dodgers. The coming days will be pivotal, with every contest potentially shaping the playoff landscape.
Cortes’ Return Brings Hope
Amid this tense playoff push, San Diego received encouraging news regarding one of their key acquisitions. Left-handed pitcher Nestor Cortes, who joined the team during the recent trade deadline from the Milwaukee Brewers, is nearing a return from the 15-day injured list.
Cortes, 30, began his tenure with the Padres on a positive note. In August, he made five starts, notching a 1-2 record alongside a solid 3.75 ERA. However, his momentum was halted in September when he encountered left bicep tendinitis, limiting him to just one start before his placement on the injured list.
Manager Offers Insight on Cortes’ Progress
Padres manager Mike Shildt provided an update on Cortes’ condition, expressing optimism about his impending return. “We haven’t sat down with Nestor yet. But he feels good enough to get on the mound and throw some pitches,” Shildt remarked. “How he responds will determine whether he goes with us on the trip or whether he goes to Arizona and starts to face some hitters.”
This update reflects the team’s cautious yet hopeful approach as they look to reintegrate Cortes into the rotation. His return could be a critical asset as the Padres aim to close the gap on the Dodgers in their quest for the division title.
Looking Ahead
As the Padres gear up for the final stretch of the season, the anticipation surrounding Cortes’ return adds another layer of excitement to their playoff ambitions. With the clock ticking down, every game will be crucial, and the Padres are eager to seize the moment as they strive for a postseason berth.
