Brewers FeedJoey Ortiz
SS · Age 28 · Bats Right
Where things stand
Joey Ortiz contributed key hits and defensive plays during the Brewers' NLCS sweep of the Dodgers, helping Milwaukee advance to the World Series. The third baseman had returned from a knee bruise and abdominal inflammation that sidelined him late in the regular season, and manager Pat Murphy cleared him for postseason play after an MRI showed normal results. Ortiz was a productive hitter for the Brewers in the second half, posting an .883 OPS from July onward before his late-season injuries.
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Joey Ortiz coverage
Every position player’s top moment from the NLCS
The Brewers swept the Dodgers in the NLCS with contributions from nearly every position player. NLCS MVP Sal Bauers delivered the series' most impactful moment with an 11-pitch at-bat against Blake Snell in Game 3, hitting a two-run home run that gave Milwaukee a 3-2 lead worth +.320 WPA. Catcher Willy Contreras went 3-for-4 with a 438-foot home run in Game 2, while outfielders like Jackson Chourio and Joey Ortiz provided key hits and defensive plays throughout the series.
Brew Crew Ball4 defensive plays that prevented Brewers' NLDS sweep of Padres in Game 3
The San Diego Padres defeated the Milwaukee Brewers 4-3 in Game 3 of the NLDS, preventing a sweep and forcing a Game 4. Padres center fielder Jackson Merrill made multiple exceptional defensive plays that proved decisive, including a sliding catch on Jackson Chourio's leadoff fly ball in the first inning that had a .750 expected batting average, and a diving catch on Sal Frelick's line drive in the third inning with an expected batting average of .540. Both plays robbed the Brewers of extra-base hits that could have given Milwaukee early leads, with Frelick's catch particularly costly as it stranded Joey Ortiz on first base after he singled on the next pitch. The Padres' defensive excellence combined with Milwaukee's miscues ultimately made the difference in the one-run game.
Reviewing the BrewPat Murphy's Game 3 batting order tweak changes Jackson Chourio's lineup protection
Manager Pat Murphy restructured the Milwaukee Brewers' batting order for Game 3 of their NLDS against San Diego, moving Jake Bauers to the two-hole, William Contreras to third, and Brice Turang to cleanup—a lineup combination the team never used during the regular season. The change addresses opposing pitchers' focus on Jackson Chourio by providing him different protection, as Turang went hitless in the first two games despite batting directly behind Chourio in both contests. Joey Ortiz replaces David Hamilton at third base, while Dustin May starts for the Brewers against Padres right-hander Nick Pivetta in Milwaukee's first road playoff game.
Reviewing the BrewBrewers, Padres Announce NLDS Rosters
The Brewers and Padres announced their 26-man NLDS rosters, with Game 1 starting tonight in Milwaukee featuring Jacob Misiorowski facing Robbie Ray. The Padres made a last-minute roster change, replacing Walker Buehler with Randy Vasquez after Buehler was placed on the paternity list, which could affect San Diego's pitching plans for the first two games. Milwaukee's Joey Ortiz and Andrew Vaughn are both available after recent injuries, with Ortiz returning from a knee bruise and Vaughn activated from the injured list following an illness. The Padres kept the same roster from their Wild Card sweep of the Cubs, indicating their pitching staff remained fresh enough for the series.
MLB Trade RumorsBrewers announce NLDS roster
The Brewers announced their National League Division Series roster, carrying 13 pitchers including left-hander Kyle Harrison. The position player group includes returning infielders Joey Ortiz and Andrew Vaughn, who both dealt with minor health issues late in the season. The six left-handed pitchers on the roster give Milwaukee a potential advantage against San Diego's right-heavy lineup, with several capable of pitching multiple innings in games three and four if needed.
Brew Crew BallOrtiz makes NLDS roster; Crew goes with 13-man pitching staff
MLB.com BrewersBrewers Notes: Vaughn, Woodruff
The Brewers activated Andrew Vaughn from the injured list Friday, making him eligible for their Division Series roster against the Padres after missing time due to illness. Vaughn batted .306 with a .390 on-base percentage in 331 plate appearances this season and should be available for Game 1, where he figures to face left-handed pitcher Robbie Ray. The Brewers face a roster construction challenge with corner infield depth, as Jake Bauers has been one of the National League's best hitters while Christian Yelich has struggled since April and Joey Ortiz is dealing with knee and abdominal injuries. Brandon Woodruff, sidelined with a shoulder injury, continues his recovery and threw from flat ground Friday with hopes of pitching off a mound soon, keeping alive a remote possibility of returning for a potential World Series appearance.
MLB Trade RumorsPat Murphy offers Joey Ortiz NLDS roster update Brewers fans have been waiting for
Joey Ortiz will likely be available for the Brewers' NLDS opener after manager Pat Murphy indicated the infielder is progressing well from a knee bruise and abdominal inflammation sustained late in the regular season. Ortiz missed the final two games of the season but is expected to play against the Padres, who are starting left-handed pitcher Robbie Ray in Game 1. The third baseman became one of Milwaukee's most productive hitters in the second half, posting a .883 OPS from July onward, making his availability a significant boost for the team's postseason run.
Reviewing the BrewBrewers news: NLDS game times announced, Andrew Vaughn update, latest on Joey Ortiz
The Brewers will face either the Padres or Cubs in the NLDS starting October 3, with game times depending on the matchup: 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 3:00 p.m. Sunday against San Diego, or 3:00 p.m. Saturday and 3:00 p.m. Sunday against Chicago. Andrew Vaughn has been sidelined by illness since September 19 but was retroactively placed on the injured list starting September 22 to ensure his NLDS eligibility. Joey Ortiz dealt with injuries to his right knee and abdomen late in the season, while Jake Bauers played through shin splints, and all three players will use the week off to recover before the playoffs begin.
Reviewing the BrewNL Injury Notes: Freeman, Henriquez, Elder, Ortiz, Woodruff
Freddie Freeman used the Dodgers' five-day playoff break to work on his swing mechanics and address right knee tendinitis that affected his performance down the stretch, though he acknowledged playing poorly rather than solely blaming the injury. Edgardo Henriquez was activated from the injured list after missing time with lower back discomfort and is expected to participate in a throwing session Wednesday as the Dodgers prepare their NLDS roster. Bryce Elder faced hitters in live batting practice Monday while recovering from knee surgery but remains uncertain about his availability for the Braves' potential NLDS matchup this weekend. Brandon Woodruff completed a five-week throwing progression and awaits clearance from his doctor to throw off a mound, keeping alive a slim possibility he could pitch if the Brewers advance deep into the playoffs.
MLB Trade RumorsBrewers’ Joey Ortiz Undergoes MRI
Third baseman Joey Ortiz underwent an MRI after leaving Friday's game with a right knee bruise, and the results came back normal according to manager Pat Murphy. Ortiz has abdominal swelling and has dealt with oblique and groin issues, but should be ready for the Division Series beginning October 3rd. He will sit out tomorrow's regular season finale as a precaution. David Hamilton moved to third base in Ortiz's absence and went 1-for-3 with a double in today's 3-2 win over the Cardinals.
MLB Trade RumorsHot-hitting Ortiz undergoes MRI on knee ahead of postseason
MLB.com BrewersGame Discussion: Milwaukee Brewers (101-59) vs St. Louis Cardinals (77-83)
The Brewers seek their 102nd win tonight against the Cardinals with Dustin May on the mound for a final regular season audition before the postseason. Milwaukee's third baseman Joey Ortiz underwent an MRI after being removed yesterday due to a right knee bruise, and the team learned he's also dealing with an abdominal strain and groin injury, forcing the Brewers to operate with a short bench within 10 days of the NLDS. May has pitched in short outings recently and will look to stretch deeper into this game while refining his pitch sequencing against Cardinals left-hander Quinn Mathews, who carries a 3.65 ERA.
Brew Crew BallBrewers news: Joey Ortiz injury update, Robert Gasser's final tune-up, bullpen usage
The Brewers secured the best record in baseball and face the Cardinals in their final regular season series with playoff seeding already determined. Third baseman Joey Ortiz left Friday's game with an injury, raising concerns ahead of the postseason, while pitcher Robert Gasser delivered a strong performance in the victory. Outfielder Andrew Vaughn was placed on the 10-day injured list due to a lingering illness but is expected to return before the NLDS begins on October 3.
Reviewing the BrewComparing the 2025 and 2026 Brewers’ postseason position players
The Brewers have locked up a first-round bye with four games remaining and will likely carry 14 of the same position players to the postseason as last year, though Bo Naylor could be replaced. Catcher Yamaico Navarro shows similar overall production to 2025 despite being healthy this season, while first baseman Sal Bauers has improved significantly and built on his strong September performance from last year. Shortstop Joey Pratt has matched third baseman Joey Ortiz's production in fewer games as a rookie, representing an upgrade over last season's position, and outfielder Jackson Chourio has developed into a star with better offensive and defensive numbers while entering the postseason healthy, unlike last year when he dealt with a hamstring injury.
Brew Crew BallGasser wins 1-0 pitchers’ duel in Baltimore thanks to Ortiz’s “sun-triple”
Robert Gasser pitched seven innings of three-hit ball to lead the Brewers to a 1-0 victory over Baltimore, allowing no runs while walking three and striking out two. The game's only run scored in the second inning when Joey Ortiz reached third on a sun-aided triple and Gary Sánchez drove him in with a groundout. With this win, Milwaukee tied the franchise record with 97 wins and has seven games remaining to break it, with Jacob Misiorowski scheduled to start tomorrow's season finale.
Brew Crew BallJoey Ortiz’s surging offensive production could be the difference for Brewers in October
Joey Ortiz has emerged as a significant offensive contributor for the Brewers since the All-Star break, posting a .954 OPS and 160 wRC+ that rank among the top 10 in baseball. This production marks a dramatic turnaround from his previous struggles at the plate, which prompted the team to move David Hamilton into a utility role to keep Ortiz in the lineup. Historically a poor postseason performer, Ortiz went 0-for-11 in the 2024 Wild Card loss to the Mets and managed only 2-for-19 in last year's playoffs. With the rest of the Brewers' lineup strengthened and no regular starter below a 90 wRC+, Ortiz's continued hot hitting could provide the offensive depth needed to compete in October.
Reviewing the BrewBrewers' NL Central supremacy continues with fourth consecutive division crown
The Milwaukee Brewers clinched their fourth consecutive NL Central title after defeating the Pittsburgh Pirates 5-1, with the division crown secured when the Atlanta Braves beat the Chicago Cubs. This marks the first time any team has won four straight NL Central titles since the division was created in 1994. Jacob Misiorowski pitched five scoreless innings with seven strikeouts on a limited pitch count, while Joey Ortiz went 3-for-4 with two RBIs after a remarkable second-half turnaround that raised his season slash line to .270/.328/.408.
Reviewing the BrewBrewers defeat Pirates 5-1, on the brink of NL Central title
The Brewers defeated the Pirates 5-1 on Tuesday, reducing their magic number to one in the NL Central race. Jacob Misiorowski pitched five scoreless innings while striking out seven, and the Brewers' offense broke through in the sixth inning with a four-run rally led by doubles from William Contreras and Luis Lara. Joey Ortiz collected three hits and drove in two runs, while Brice Turang reached base four times. The Brewers will clinch the division if the Braves lose to the Reds.
Brew Crew BallThe Brewers’ offense has hit another gear
The Brewers have ranked last in home runs for most of the season while relying on hitting consistency, speed, and situational hitting to rank second in runs scored. However, in September they've dramatically shifted their approach, hitting 19 home runs in 12 games to tie for third in the league while maintaining a .874 OPS, the best in baseball by 53 points. Seven different Brewers regulars have posted an OPS above .942 this month, with improvements from players like Joey Ortiz and Garrett Mitchell providing lineup depth that was lacking earlier in the season. The team's recent offensive surge comes at an opportune time heading into the playoffs, though the Brewers will face stiffer competition once the postseason begins.
Brew Crew Ball