Padres Add Cortes, Make Multiple Deadline Trades

The San Diego Padres have acquired left-handed pitcher Nestor Cortes from the Milwaukee Brewers just before the MLB trade deadline, sending speedy outfielder Brandon Lockridge to Milwaukee. Cortes, a 2022 All-Star with the Yankees, has spent most of this season on the injured list with an elbow flexor strain but has performed well in recent minor-league rehab outings. The trade addresses a surplus of pitchers for the Brewers and a need for rotation depth for the Padres, who are pushing for the playoffs. In addition to Cortes, the Padres have also added Mason Miller, JP Sears, Ramon Laureano, Ryan O'Hearn, and Freddy Fermin in a series of deadline moves. Lockridge, known for his defense and baserunning, has struggled offensively in limited major league appearances. Cortes is expected to return to action soon and could become a key asset for San Diego's postseason ambitions.