MLBSep 30
Brewers take cautious approach with Joey Ortiz ahead of NLDS
Ortiz expects to be ready for Saturday’s opener, but Milwaukee is monitoring his health after a late-season knee injury.
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Ortiz’s workload remains limited
Joey Ortiz is confident he can play in Milwaukee’s NL Division Series opener Saturday. The Brewers, however, are keeping his preparation measured as they await either the Chicago Cubs or San Diego Padres. Manager Pat Murphy restricted Ortiz’s participation in Tuesday’s workout and said concerns remain about both his knee and abdomen. Ortiz injured his right knee while pursuing a foul ball Thursday in Philadelphia. He then exited Friday’s win over the St. Louis Cardinals in the eighth inning and missed Milwaukee’s final two regular-season games. Murphy previously indicated that an MRI performed last weekend produced encouraging results. Ortiz has maintained that he feels healthy, with his focus on being fully prepared to compete in the postseason.
A productive bat to go with his glove
Known primarily for his defense at third base and shortstop, Ortiz also became a significant offensive contributor down the stretch. After finishing May with a.188 average and.518 OPS, he ended the regular season batting.270 with a.328 on-base percentage and.402 slugging percentage. He recorded nine home runs and 47 RBIs across 134 games. His closing stretch was particularly strong: Ortiz hit.333 with seven homers and 28 RBIs over his last 61 games. Milwaukee enters the postseason after a franchise-record 103 victories secured home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
Rotation plans still tentative
Murphy indicated that Jacob Misiorowski would likely start Game 1, followed by Logan Henderson in Game 2, but emphasized that the arrangement could change. Misiorowski finished 16-5 and led the majors with a 1.80 ERA and 252 strikeouts. Henderson posted an 11-3 record and 2.47 ERA during his rookie season.
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