BREAKING: The Milwaukee Brewers have placed starting shortstop Joey Ortiz on the 10-day injured list due to a strained left hamstring, leaving the NL Central leaders scrambling just days before critical matchups. The announcement was made on Friday, August 25, 2023, following Ortiz’s departure from a 4-1 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Thursday, where he suffered the injury while grounding out in the fifth inning.
The news comes as the Brewers seek to maintain their position at the top of the division with a tight race ahead. Manager Pat Murphy confirmed that Ortiz’s injury is a low-grade strain, suggesting that his absence may not extend for long. Ortiz has been a key contributor this season, batting .233 with seven home runs, 43 RBIs, and 11 steals across 125 games. His performance in August has been particularly strong, with a batting average of .343 and an .830 OPS.
In a statement reflecting on his injury, Ortiz expressed disappointment: “I felt like I was finally kind of getting a groove going, especially offensively. Things happen. It’s baseball. I’ve just got to do what I can to get back.”
While Ortiz is sidelined, Andruw Monasterio is set to take over as the primary shortstop. Monasterio, 28, has appeared in 43 games this season, hitting .254 with two home runs and 11 RBIs.
Additionally, the Brewers have reinstated first baseman/outfielder Jake Bauers from the injured list. Bauers, who has battled a left shoulder impingement, last played in the majors on July 18. He has struggled this season with a .197 batting average, five home runs, and 18 RBIs in 59 games. “Since April, May, I’ve been dealing with it,” Bauers acknowledged.
Meanwhile, outfielder Jackson Chourio has been assigned to a rehabilitation assignment with Triple-A Nashville after straining his right hamstring on July 29. Murphy emphasized the importance of Chourio’s recovery: “He’s got to be able to get comfortable standing on the diamond back-to-back days…because you can’t bring him back here and then just [go] zero to 100.” Chourio has posted an impressive .276 average with 17 home runs, 67 RBIs, and 18 steals in 106 games this season.
As the Brewers navigate this challenging moment, fans are left wondering how Ortiz’s absence will impact their playoff aspirations. Keep an eye on updates as Milwaukee prepares for its next games, with roster adjustments becoming increasingly crucial in the push for the postseason.
