Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

Milwaukee Brewers Shortstop Joey Ortiz Will Not Play Game 4 vs Chicago Cubs on Wednesday

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By Robin M Adams | Last updated Aug 20, 2025 12:18 AM ET

For the first time since early July, the Milwaukee Brewers have lost back-to-back games, dropping both contests of a doubleheader against the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday. They lost the first game 6-4 and the second 4-1. In both games, their starting pitchers, Chad Patrick and Brandon Woodruff, failed to keep their pitch counts low and Cubs hitters off the basepaths.

The second game was especially frustrating as Milwaukee’s offense forced Cubs starter Jameson Taillon to throw 30 pitches in the first inning, a frame that saw them score their only run, only to swing early and often after the opening frame, allowing Chicago’s starter to get through six innings. Taillon threw just 62 pitches between the second and sixth innings, and at one point retired 11 Brewers hitters in row.

But the two games were not the only things Milwaukee lost on Tuesday. It appears they will be without their starting shortstop, Joey Ortiz, tomorrow and perhaps longer.

Milwaukee Brewers Shortstop Joey Ortiz Has a Bone Bruise in His Knee

Milwaukee Brewers Shortstop Joey Ortiz Will Not Play Game 4 vs Chicago Cubs on Wednesday 1 Aug 17, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Milwaukee Brewers shortstop Joey Ortiz (3) bats against the Cincinnati Reds in the third inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

Ortiz was 0-2 with a walk in the Game One of the doubleheader, but was pinch hit for later in the game by Anthony Seigler, who struck out.

In Game Two, Ortiz was 1-3, but was not able to finish the game. He fouled a ball of his knee during his last at bat, prompting the Brewers to replace him Andruw Monasterio.

Of course, Brewers fans’ minds immediately went to 2019 when Christian Yelich broke his knee cap when he fouled a ball off of it late in the season.

Fortunately, x-rays revealed that Ortiz did not break any bones. Rather, he has a bone bruise which, in addition to some stomach issues, will keep him out of the lineup on Wednesday:

X-rays negative for Joey Ortiz but he has a bruised knee and also some stomach issues today. So he won’t play Wednesday, Pat Murphy said.

— Adam McCalvy (@AdamMcCalvy) August 20, 2025