Ortiz was scratched from the Brewers' lineup ahead of Saturday's game versus the Cubs due to neck soreness.
Ortiz was originally in line to make his return to Milwaukee's lineup after neck problems kept him from playing Friday, but he'll instead require another day to heal. As a result, Andruw Monasterio will pick up another start at third base and bat ninth.
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Brewers' Joey Ortiz: In Saturday's lineup
Rotowire
Ortiz (neck) will start at third base and bat leadoff during Saturday's game versus the Cubs.
Ortiz made an early exit from Wednesday's game versus the Rangers and sat out Friday's series opener due to neck problems, but he's feeling well enough to play Saturday. The 25-year-old third baseman has found a good amount of success at the plate recently, going 5-for-14 with a solo home run over his last five games.
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Brewers' Joey Ortiz: Not in lineup Friday
Rotowire
Ortiz (neck) is not in the starting lineup for Friday's series opener against the Cubs.
Ortiz has been dealing with a neck injury since last week's series against the Angels, and he was removed in the sixth inning of Wednesday's game against the Rangers after going 0-for-2. Despite having a day off Thursday, Ortiz will be in the dugout for at least the series opener against Chicago. Andruw Monasterio will start at third base Friday and bat ninth against Cubs right-hander Jameson Taillon.
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Brewers' Joey Ortiz: Managing neck issue
Rotowire
Brewers manager Pat Murphy said Ortiz was removed from Wednesday's win over the Rangers due to a neck injury, Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.
The injury apparently surfaced during last week's series against the Angels, and it prompted his removal from Wednesday's contest in the sixth inning after going 0-for-2. Ortiz's ability to play through the issue indicates it isn't a serious concern, so he could be back in action Friday versus the Cubs following Thursday's team off day.
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Brewers' Joey Ortiz: Leaves with apparent injury
Rotowire
Ortiz was removed from Wednesday's game versus the Rangers in the bottom of the sixth inning with an apparent injury, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports. He went hitless in two at-bats before leaving the game.
Ortiz ran into the tarp while chasing after a pop-up in the top of the sixth, and though he initially stayed in the game, he was lifted in favor of a pinch hitter in the bottom of the frame. It's not clear yet what injury Ortiz might be dealing with, but the Brewers should offer more clarity soon.
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Brewers' Joey Ortiz: Lifts seventh homer of season
Rotowire
Ortiz went 1-for-4 with a solo home run during Tuesday's 3-1 win over the Rangers.
Ortiz provided the go-ahead run in the fifth inning, starting the bottom of the fifth inning with a solo homer off Andrew Heaney. The long ball was Ortiz's second since May 17, with both coming in his last 11 games. During that 11-game stretch, Ortiz is 9-for-35 (.257) with seven runs.
Ortiz is not in the lineup for Monday's game against the Rangers.
Ortiz had started each of the previous 10 contests but will begin this one on the bench. Andruw Monasterio will cover third base while Ortiz gets some rest.
Ortiz went 2-for-4 with a stolen base and a run scored in Sunday's 6-2 win over the Padres.
Ortiz logged his second multi-hit effort in a row after going 11 contests without one. The infielder has maintained a strong .278/.383/.449 slash line with six home runs, five steals, 27 RBI, 31 runs scored, 13 doubles and two triples over 244 plate appearances this season. While the overall numbers are good, he has just three extra-base hits across 20 games in June.
