Joey Ortiz
Breakdown
Performance
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August 12, 2026
Making return from neck injury
Ortiz (neck) will start at third base and bat ninth in Wednesday's game against the Padres, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.
Analysis
After recently losing Cooper Pratt (hamstring) to the injured list, the Brewers look set to avoid another blow to the left side of the infield with Ortiz making his way back into the lineup. Ortiz had missed each of the last three games due to neck tightness, which flared up when he struck out during a plate appearance Saturday. Per MLB.com, Ortiz was able to do some running Monday and then incorporated more baseball activities into his workout Tuesday, with his neck apparently checking out fine afterward. He should be in good shape to hold down a near-everyday role at either third base or shortstop while Pratt is on the shelf.
August 11, 2026
Still out Tuesday
Ortiz (back) is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against San Diego.
Analysis
Ortiz will miss his third consecutive start as he continues to battle an upper-back injury. Brice Turang will slide over to shortstop and lead off, while David Hamilton mans third base and bats eighth for Milwaukee.
August 10, 2026
Held out again Monday
Ortiz (back) remains out of the lineup for Monday's game in San Diego.
Analysis
Ortiz will miss a second straight start with an upper-back injury. He's being considered day-to-day but appears to be trending in the right direction. Ortiz was able to do some running on the field before Monday's game, and he mentioned that he'd be available off the bench if needed, per Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. David Hamilton will again slide over to shortstop, while Andrew Vaughn will grab a start at third base.
August 9, 2026
Viewed as day-to-day
Ortiz is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Twins due to an upper-back injury and is considered day-to-day, Hunter Baumgardt of Fox Sports 920 Milwaukee reports.
Analysis
Ortiz was forced out of Saturday's 4-3 win due to the injury, but his back issue is considered less of a concern than the hamstring strain fellow infielder Cooper Pratt sustained in the same game. With the Brewers moving Pratt to the injured list Sunday, Ortiz could settle in as the primary option at shortstop once he's healthy. David Hamilton will cover shortstop Sunday while Andrew Vaughn makes his second career MLB start at third base.
August 9, 2026
Getting MRI
Ortiz is getting an MRI on his neck after being removed early from Saturday's game against Minnesota, Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinelreports.
Analysis
Ortiz felt tightness in his neck during his first at-bat, leading to his removal later in the game. The 28-year-old will receive an MRI to assess the extent of the damage. Manager Pat Murphy said the injury is located in his lower neck, closer to his scapula.
August 9, 2026
Departs game early Saturday
Ortiz left Saturday's game against Minnesota early due to neck tightness, Hunter Baumgardt of Fox Sports 920 Milwaukee reports.
Analysis
Ortiz left Saturday's affair after just one at-bat, which resulted in a strikeout, due to neck tightness. The 28-year-old was taken out of the game in the top of the fourth inning and replaced by David Hamilton at third base. If Ortiz has to miss additional time, look for Hamilton and Cooper Pratt to see action at the hot corner.
