The San Diego Padres announced on Friday afternoon that starting pitcher Nestor Cortes is headed to the injured list with left biceps tendonitis, according to San Diego Union-Tribune's Jeff Sanders.
The Padres are expected to make a corresponding move by recalling right-handed pitcher Ron Marinaccio from Triple-A El Paso.
Cortes left his last start, on Wednesday, against the Baltimore Orioles after just 2.1 innings. The Padres' starter gave up six runs on seven hits, including four home runs, and walked three batters.
Padres Lose Nestor Cortes
The Padres traded for Cortes at the 2025 MLB trade deadline. San Diego sent outfield prospect Brandon Lockridge to the Milwaukee Brewers for Cortes, shortstop prospect Jorge Quintana and cash.
Cortes has made six starts for the Padres across 26.1 innings, but they haven't been very good. The Padres' starter has a 5.47 ERA and a WHIP over 1.5. However, his one great start came against the Los Angeles Dodgers, when he threw six scoreless innings and struck out three batters.
We have recalled RHP Ron Marinaccio from Triple-A El Paso and placed LHP Nestor Cortes on the 15-Day IL with left biceps tendonitis, retroactive to 9/4.
— San Diego Padres (@Padres) September 5, 2025
With Cortes headed to the IL, the Padres will bring up Marinaccio, who's spent most of the year at Triple-A El Paso. He has a 5.05 ERA across 46.1 innings, but he's thrown 4.2 scoreless innings in his three appearances in the major leagues this year. Marinaccio also has three years of experience in the majors with the New York Yankees.
The Padres are expected to recall a reliever today with Cortes' move the IL, but will likely make another move tomorrow to bring up starting pitcher Randy Vásquez, who said he's been told he's starting Saturday's game.
The Padres kickoff a three-game weekend series on Friday against the Colorado Rockies.