Brewers’ Joey Ortiz Injury: How Will Milwaukee Respond?

By Oliver Wiener August 24, 2025 08:19

The Milwaukee Brewers have been dealt a tough blow as starting shortstop Joey Ortiz was placed on the 10-day injured list due to a strained left hamstring, casting uncertainty over the team’s short-term plans heading into a critical stretch of the 2025 season. Ortiz, 27, suffered the injury during the fifth inning of the Brewers’ 4-1 victory over the Chicago Cubs on August 21 while hustling down the line on a ground ball. Subsequent medical examinations revealed a low-grade strain, which prompted the team to act swiftly.

Ortiz has been a vital figure for Milwaukee in 2025. Over 125 games, he posted a respectable .284 batting average with 17 home runs and 56 RBIs. His August performance was particularly impressive a .343 batting average with a .387 on-base percentage and 14 runs scored in 20 games, signaling that Ortiz was hitting his stride just when the Brewers needed him most. Reflecting on his recent surge, Ortiz said, “I felt like I was finally kind of getting a groove going, especially offensively. I was starting to swing the bat as I know I can. Things happen. It’s baseball. I just got to do what I can to get back.”

Milwaukee manager Pat Murphy quickly named utility infielder Andruw Monasterio to fill in at shortstop during Ortiz's absence. Monasterio, 28, has limited experience at shortstop, with just 12 career starts, but brings a solid bat with a .254 average and two home runs in 43 games this season. “Monasterio has the major league experience among the available options at that position, and while his defensive abilities may not quite match Ortiz’s, his recent offensive numbers provide some optimism,” Murphy stated.

The Brewers also made roster adjustments to bolster depth across the board. First baseman and outfielder Jake Bauers, who had been on the injured list with a left shoulder impingement but recently completed a rehab stint, was activated. Additionally, young outfielder Jackson Chourio, sidelined since early August with a right hamstring strain, began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Nashville.

Ortiz’s injury timing couldn’t be worse for a Brewers squad leading the NL Central with an 80-48 record, boasting one of the best home records in the National League (42-20). As the team prepares for a crucial homestand, consistency and roster flexibility will be key to maintaining their standing atop the division.

Pat Murphy emphasized the team’s resilience, saying, “Joey’s injury is a setback, but we’ve got capable players ready to step in. This team has depth, and we’re confident in our ability to keep pushing forward.” Fans will be keenly watching to see if the Brewers can maintain their offensive production while Ortiz recovers.

Defensively, Ortiz is a cornerstone of Milwaukee’s infield, contributing with his reliable glove and quickness. His absence places additional pressure on a defense that ranks among the top in the league for runs saved. Offensively, Ortiz’s ability to get on base and drive in runs has provided balance to the lineup, so recreating that chemistry will be a challenge.

Ortiz remains optimistic about his recovery and is focused on returning stronger. “Injuries are part of the game,” he said. “I’m going to focus on rehab and come back ready to help my team.”

Looking ahead, Milwaukee’s handling of this injury crisis will test their depth and managerial acumen. With playoff aspirations firmly intact, the Brewers’ response to losing Ortiz could define their late-season momentum and postseason prospects.