Cortes began his professional career in 2005 with the Rookie-Level Bristol White Sox of the Appalachian League. While playing under manager Jerry Hairston, Cortes went 1-4 with a 5.17 ERA and 38 strikeouts in 15 games, even started. Baseball America ranked Cortes as the 22nd best prospect in the White Sox organization.\n', '

In 2006 Cortes began his season with the Class-A Kannapolis Intimidators of the South Atlantic League. He went 3-9 with a 4.01 ERA and 96 strikeouts in 20 games, 19 starts. He was then traded to the Kansas City Royals along with pitcher Tyler Lumsden in exchange for pitcher Mike MacDougal on July 24.\n', '

Cortes finished the 2006 season with the Class-A Burlington Bees of the Midwest League. He went 1-2 with a 6.69 ERA with 30 strikeouts in seven games, all starts.\n', '

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