Brewers’ Joey Ortiz Undergoes MRI After Hamstring Exit

The Milwaukee Brewers have a new challenge on their hands. Infielder Joey Ortiz will get an MRI after leaving Thursday night’s 4-1 win over the Chicago Cubs with a left hamstring injury.

Ortiz has anchored the team’s defense all season. He pulled up after grounding out in the fifth inning and just couldn’t keep going.

His absence could really shake up how the Brewers handle this crucial part of the season. Losing one of their most adaptable infielders right now? That’s not ideal.

Joey Ortiz’s Injury and Immediate Aftermath

The moment happened at Wrigley Field. Ortiz, 27, grounded out to third and came up limping as he hustled down the line.

Just an inning before, he’d chipped in with a single. But the discomfort in his left hamstring ended his night early.

Manager Pat Murphy spoke after the win, saying nobody knows how serious it is yet. The team will wait for the MRI before making any decisions.

Mid-Game Adjustments by the Brewers

With Ortiz out, Milwaukee turned to Andruw Monasterio to cover the infield. Monasterio stepped in and kept things steady for the rest of the game.

Losing Ortiz for any real stretch, though, is going to test the Brewers’ depth. He’s been their go-to at both shortstop and third base, giving Murphy plenty of options all year.

The Role Ortiz Has Played in 2024

Earlier this season, Ortiz mostly handled third base. By midseason, he’d taken over shortstop from Willy Adames, locking in his spot as a core infield piece.

His batting numbers won’t wow anyone—he’s hitting .233 with a .612 OPS through 125 games. But honestly, his value goes way beyond the stats.

Why His Versatility Matters

Ortiz’s ability to bounce between positions has quietly helped Milwaukee a ton. Murphy’s been able to mix and match lineups, resting key guys or playing the matchups.

And until now, Ortiz had stayed healthy, which gave the team some much-needed stability during a season full of roster shuffles.

Potential Impact on the Brewers’ Season

The Brewers are in a tight spot in the regular season. Every game feels huge with the playoffs looming.

If Ortiz misses time, Milwaukee might have to rethink its defense and shuffle the batting order. Even though his bat’s been quiet, his defense lifts the whole team.

Possible Replacement Options

If Ortiz sits out, Murphy might try a few different players to fill the gap. Here’s who could step in:

• Andruw Monasterio – He already filled in during the Cubs game.
• Willy Adames – Might move back to shortstop full-time, but that’d mean other changes in the infield.
• Prospects or bench depth – The Brewers could call up someone from the minors for a defensive spark.

Waiting on MRI Results

Right now, it all comes down to the MRI. Hamstring injuries can be tricky—sometimes it’s just a few days, but a bad tear could mean weeks or even months.

The Brewers are hoping for good news. Ortiz means a lot to their defense, and frankly, they could use a break.

The Road Ahead

As the regular season winds down, every roster move feels magnified. If Ortiz’s injury turns out to be serious, Milwaukee will need to show some real adaptability.

The pressure from postseason ambitions is heavy. The Brewers just can’t afford to let their defensive stability slip for long.

Joey Ortiz’s situation really shows how quickly things shift in baseball. One moment, he’s a steady starter helping nail down a road win.

The next, the team’s scrambling to fill a key spot. Brewers fans can only hope their infield anchor gets back soon—because in September, every inning somehow matters more.

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