NEWSLETTER
I don’t think it’s a matter of anything getting into his head, but I couldn’t help but notice that ever since Rafael Ortega (correctly) noted that he has to play the game like he’s playing for all 30 teams – you never know where your next job might come from – it’s been ROUGH. Up to that statement on June 28, Ortega had been on FIRE. After it? He’s hit just .100/.213/.160/10 wRC+. Again, not saying it got in his head, but he did say this at the same time he made the 30 teams comment (Tribune): “It’s mostly about just being relaxed at the plate, my body feeling relaxed. When I tighten up a little bit and have that pressure, I don’t make good decisions. So it’s really just about being relaxed with my body and with my swing. Load up and I’m able to have a good swing.”
Anyway, that is all a precursor to saying, Ortega just went deep against the Pirates, and boy did he need it:
I still think Ortega could be a nice complementary addition for a number of contenders out there. He’s a platoon-lefty, yes, but he can play every outfield spot, and he is still pre-arbitration. We’ll see if he winds up on one of those other 29 teams come August 2.
