Joey Ortiz
SS · Age 28 · Bats Right
Where things stand
Joey Ortiz has been sidelined with neck and upper back tightness during a stretch when the Brewers have dealt with multiple infield injuries. Before the injury, Ortiz had experienced a dramatic offensive turnaround since early July, posting a 1.005 OPS—the highest in the National League among qualified batters—after moving to third base, and he has also led all of Major League Baseball with +7 Outs Above Average at the position despite limited playing time.
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2026 season
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Joey Ortiz coverage
Game Discussion: Milwaukee Brewers (84-51) vs. Texas Rangers (66-69)
The Brewers enter tonight's game against the Rangers riding a three-game winning streak and four-series winning streak, looking to extend both. Shane Drohan starts for Milwaukee after allowing two runs over five innings against the Braves, while the Rangers counter with Cal Quantrill, who has posted a 0.72 ERA through five August appearances. The Brewers will make several lineup adjustments, moving Garrett Mitchell to fifth and benching Joey Ortiz in favor of Cooper Pratt at shortstop. First pitch is at 6:15 p.m. on FOX.
Brew Crew BallBrewers have already made the Bo Naylor change we suspected they would after trade deadline
The Milwaukee Brewers emphasize an offensive approach focused on letting the ball travel and reacting to pitch location rather than pulling, ranking last in baseball with a 36% pull rate. Manager Pat Murphy explained that Joey Ortiz's recent uptick in pulling coincides with increased confidence rather than causing his improved performance. Players acquired by the Brewers, such as David Hamilton, have significantly decreased their pull-air rates after joining the team, while pull-oriented hitters like Caleb Durbin and Isaac Collins were traded away after their rookie seasons. Catcher Bo Naylor, acquired from Cleveland at the trade deadline, is already showing early signs of adjusting to Milwaukee's approach of not pulling the ball as frequently.
Reviewing the BrewBrewers Activate Cooper Pratt, Outright Jihwan Bae
The Brewers activated shortstop Cooper Pratt from the injured list after a right hamstring strain, optioning Brandon Lockridge to Triple-A Nashville in the process. Utility player Jihwan Bae cleared outright waivers and can choose free agency rather than accept assignment to Nashville. Pratt, a 22-year-old with a .272 average and .352 on-base percentage in 44 games, returns to a crowded infield where Joey Ortiz has been playing well at shortstop and will likely move to third base.
MLB Trade RumorsNational League-leading statistic proves just how incredible Joey Ortiz's season turnaround has been
Joey Ortiz of the Milwaukee Brewers has experienced a dramatic offensive turnaround since early July, when he was benched as the everyday shortstop after posting a .201 batting average and .540 OPS. After moving to third base, Ortiz has compiled a 1.005 OPS since July 4—the highest in the National League among qualified batters—with nine multi-hit games including three three-hit performances. His improvement has coincided with increased bat speed and a more aggressive approach at the plate, highlighted by recent performances such as a near-cycle against the Mets and a two-run home run against the Dodgers. Overall, his season statistics have improved to .243 with a .678 OPS.
Reviewing the BrewAbner Uribe injury news continues Brewers' brutal stretch of roster setbacks
The Milwaukee Brewers placed relief pitcher Abner Uribe on the injured list retroactively to August 11 due to a right forearm flexor strain, adding to their mounting injury problems during a grueling 17-game stretch without an off-day. Uribe, who had compiled 21 consecutive scoreless appearances and posted a 2.05 ERA with 18 holds this season, hasn't pitched since Sunday. The Brewers have already lost Sal Frelick, Cooper Pratt, Joey Ortiz, and Brice Turang to injuries during this stretch, forcing them to use unconventional defensive alignments. Grant Anderson was recalled from Triple-A to fill Uribe's spot in the bullpen.
Reviewing the BrewUnbelievable Joey Ortiz stat makes inconsistent playing time even more perplexing
Joey Ortiz leads all of Major League Baseball with +7 Outs Above Average at third base in 2026, despite playing only 209.1 innings at the position—less than 25% of the playing time of the second-place defender. The Milwaukee Brewers third baseman has also posted a +5 Fielding Run Value, tied for the best mark among third basemen, while hitting at a 180 wRC+ in the second half. With rookie shortstop Cooper Pratt returning to health and David Hamilton also competing for infield spots, manager Pat Murphy faces a roster crunch among three excellent defenders for limited positions.
Reviewing the BrewPat Murphy teases Brewers' nightmare injury scenario after ugly loss to Padres
The Brewers are navigating a grueling 17-game stretch with no off days while dealing with mounting infield injuries. After losing to the Padres 11-2 on Tuesday, manager Pat Murphy revealed that second baseman Brice Turang has a sprained thumb, adding to existing absences from shortstop Cooper Pratt (hamstring strain) and infielder Joey Ortiz (neck/upper back tightness). An IL stint for Turang would further deplete Milwaukee's already depleted infield and remove one of their most productive offensive players during a critical stretch of the schedule.
Reviewing the BrewBrewers injury news: Cooper Pratt's progress, Sal Frelick rehab assignment, JoJo Romero's timeline
The first-place Brewers are dealing with multiple infield injuries during a demanding stretch of 17 games in 17 days. Rookie shortstop Cooper Pratt suffered a hamstring strain during a game against Minnesota and was placed on the injured list, though manager Pat Murphy reports he is making solid progress and is expected to return in late August. The team has also been affected by Joey Ortiz's neck and upper back soreness and Brice Turang's newly acquired sprained thumb, forcing them to use Ji Hwan Bae, Andrew Vaughn, and Turang as temporary replacements.
Reviewing the BrewBrewers Place Cooper Pratt On 10-Day IL
The Brewers placed shortstop Cooper Pratt on the 10-day injured list after he suffered a right hamstring strain during Saturday's win over the Twins. The team promoted infielder/outfielder Ji Hwan Bae and designated left-hander Drew Rom for assignment in corresponding moves. Pratt has been productive since his June promotion, batting .272 with above-average defense at shortstop, though the Brewers' infield depth is further strained by Joey Ortiz's neck and back issues and prospect Jett Williams aggravating a wrist injury.
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