Padres fans should hope history repeats itself after Nestor Cortes’ debut

The San Diego Padres didn’t trade for Nestor Cortes expecting him to be an ace. But they certainly hoped he’d bring some stability to the back end of a rotation in flux. So when Cortes made his debut on August 6 following a lengthy rehab stint, fans were eager to see what version of the lefty they were getting. Unfortunately, they were met with the erratic one.

Cortes lasted just 4 2/3 innings in his Padres debut, allowing three hits, two earned runs, one homer, three walks, and hitting two batters. He struck out three and didn’t factor into the decision, but it was the kind of outing that left fans shrugging, if not wincing. His command was shaky. His rhythm was off. And it was, to put it kindly, a mixed bag.

But here’s the thing: Padres fans should be careful not to overreact. If anything, they should be hoping history repeats itself.

Padres fans shouldn’t panic after Nestor Cortes’ debut

Back in April, Cortes began his 2025 campaign by getting absolutely bludgeoned by the New York Yankees, his former team. It was brutal. He allowed eight runs, including five home runs, walked five, and made it just two innings before getting the hook. It was the type of outing that can wreck a pitcher’s confidence.

Instead, Cortes came back swinging. In his very next start, he tossed six scoreless innings against the Reds, surrendering just one hit, walking two, and striking out six. That’s what makes Cortes so fascinating. As unorthodox as he is, routinely criticized or even dismissed by some fans as a “gimmick pitcher” for his funky delivery and tempo manipulation, he knows how to punch back. He’s been doing it his entire career.

At 30 years old, Cortes is no stranger to bouncing back. He brings a veteran presence, postseason experience, and a chip on his shoulder. The Padres didn’t acquire him to be a savior. They brought him in to be a solid backend rotation piece, someone who can eat innings and steady the ship when others falter. Despite the rocky debut, that’s still a very realistic expectation.

Cortes’s 2025 season has already been a roller coaster. After that dreadful start in April, he landed on the 60-day IL with a left elbow flexor strain. He spent the bulk of the summer rehabbing, and was quietly dominant across 18 minor-league innings, allowing just two runs.

The Padres bet on that progress when they acquired him just before the trade deadline. And while his first outing was rough around the edges, there’s reason to believe he’ll settle in. He’s healthy. He’s tested. And perhaps most importantly, he’s done this before.

If the pattern holds, the next time he takes the mound, Padres fans might just get the version of Nestor Cortes they were hoping for.

More San Diego Padres News and Rumors