Rafael Ortega Stats

Chicago Cubs outfielder Rafael Ortega isn't in the starting lineup for Tuesday's matchup with the Pittsburgh Pirates and left-handed starter Jose Quintana. Ortega had a breakout year in 2021 for the Cubs, hitting .291 with a .360 on-base percentage, 11 home runs, and 12 stolen bases in 330 plate appearances. So far this season, he's batting .167 with a .500 on-base percentage and a pair of runs scored in 10 plate appearances. The Cubs will go with Ian Happ, Michael Hermosillo, and Seiya Suzuki from left to right in the outfield in a good matchup against Quintana. The veteran pitched to a 6.43 REA and a 4.66 FIP in 63 innings last season and allowed 15 hits, 11 earned runs, four home runs, and three walks in nine innings during Spring Training with Pittsburgh.

over 2 months ago

Chicago Cubs outfielder Rafael Ortega is hitting leadoff and serving as the designated hitter on Opening Day on Thursday against Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Corbin Burnes. Jason Heyward is starting in center field and batting seventh. Ortega has a big challenge ahead of him against last year's National League Cy Young winner, making him tough to get behind as a cheap DFS option. The 30-year-old hit an impressive .291/.360/.463 with 11 home runs, 33 RBI, 44 runs scored and 12 stolen bases in 330 plate appearances over 103 games in his first year with the Cubs in 2021, and he could be a fixture atop the Cubs lineup against right-handers in 2022.

over 2 months ago

Chicago Cubs outfielder Rafael Ortega went 2-for-5 with a three-run home run in Thursday's victory versus the Pittsburgh Pirates. Ortega sent a blast to right field in the bottom of the seventh inning to tie the game 3-3 at the time. The outfielder has mainly been leading off in the second half and has been putting together a solid season for the Cubs. For the season, Ortega is now hitting .293 with nine home runs and 29 RBI. Even though he is leading off, the Cubs present one of the worst offenses in the league and he is no guarantee to generate runs on a consistent basis. His best option to help fantasy managers are in deeper mixed leagues, but there may be more intriguing options at this point of the season.

over 9 months ago