Twins broadcaster Jim Kaat uses offensive nickname for Yankees' pitcher Nester Cortes

DETROIT — Twins broadcaster Jim Kaat referred to New York Yankees left-hander Nestor Cortes as "Nestor the Molester" during a broadcast Thursday, the second offensive remark in the past year by the 83-year-old Hall of Fame pitcher while calling a game.

As Minnesota's Chris Archer struck out Detroit star Miguel Cabrera, Kaat began to explain that Cortes had become one of his favorite pitchers during a breakout season with New York.

"'Nestor the Molester,' Nestor Cortes," Kaat said. "Angles and different speeds. He's a pitcher."

Twins vice president of communications and content Dustin Morse spoke with Kaat after the broadcast about the comment.

"Obviously, we take these matters seriously and like in all cases will handle this internally and privately," Morse said.

Kaat planned to contact Cortes directly and speak with the pitcher about the situation.

"Jim meant no ill will," Morse said.

"I'm sure, you know, he didn't really mean it, and people make mistakes, but it didn't offend me at all," Cortes told The Associated Press.

"So, you know, I don't really have anything more than just that, honestly," he said.

Cortes has affectionately become known as "Nasty Nestor" by Yankees fans while going 5-1 with a 1.50 ERA to begin this season. He pitched seven scoreless innings to beat the Angels in the first game.

While Justin Morneau is the main Twins' baseball analyst with play-by-play announcer Dick Bremer, he is replaced for stretches by several other former Twins players, including Kaat. Roy Smalley and LaTroy Hawkins.

A longtime commentator who has also worked for the Yankees and MLB Network, Kaat apologized in October after saying teams should try to "get a 40-acre field full of" players who look like White Sox infielder Yoán Moncada.