Nestor Cortes Traded to Padres, Ready to Join Rotation

Pitcher Nestor Cortes, sidelined since April 6 with a strained flexor tendon, is ready to return to action and has been traded from the Brewers to the San Diego Padres for outfielder Brandon Lockridge. Cortes is expected to join the Padres' rotation next week, following a rehab start where he struck out nine and allowed one earned run over 5 2/3 innings for Milwaukee's Triple-A affiliate. San Diego is considered a favorable environment for Cortes, despite a slight dip in his velocity.