Longtime MLB announcer Jim Kaat once again found himself embroiled in controversy… this time it was because he referenced the New York Yankees star Nestor Cortes as “Nestor the Molester” during a broadcast.

Kaat, 83, was providing color commentary for the Detroit Tigers vs. Minnesota Twins game on Thursday afternoon … when he tried to give on-air praise to Cortes, who faced the LA Angels in a game in New York at the same time.

Kaat referenced the Twins pitcher Devin Smelzer and said, “That favorite pitcher, being kinda like Devin Smeltzer, ‘Nestor the Aggressor!’”

“Nestor Cortes,” Kaat added. “Man, he’s fun to watch.”

The comment was immediately hit with raised eyebrows on social media … and although Kaat did not speak about it again on air, a Twins official told the Associated press the team spoke with the Hall of Famer about it after the game.

“Obviously, we take these matters seriously and, as with all cases, we will address them internally and privately,” Twins’ vice president of communications and content said. Dustin Morse said, before adding, “Jim didn’t mean ill will.”

Cortes, meanwhile, was also asked about the comment … but told the AP he wasn’t offended.

“I’m sure, you know, he didn’t really mean it,” the left-handed pitcher said, “and people make mistakes, but that didn’t offend me at all.”

It’s the second time in less than a year that Kaat has faced backlash for an on-air remark… in October, he was have to apologize for referring to slavery during a Yoan Moncada at bat in an Astros vs. White Sox playoff game.