Joey Ortiz and Caleb Durbin propelled the Milwaukee Brewers to a resounding 9-3 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates, with Ortiz hitting two home runs and Durbin contributing a three-run shot. Both players, batting at the end of the lineup, combined for four runs and seven RBIs, showcasing their rising impact as the Brewers won five of their last six games. Freddy Peralta delivered a strong start, striking out eight and allowing only a single run through five innings before the Pirates rallied in the sixth with a home run from Nick Gonzales. Ortiz's recent surge raises hope for the Brewers as they push for a playoff spot.

The Milwaukee Brewers have recently strengthened their infield depth by signing veteran infielder Bobby Dalbec to a minor league contract, assigning him to Triple-A Nashville. This move comes as the Brewers face challenges in their left-side infield production, particularly from shortstop Joey Ortiz, who has struggled with a sub-.500 OPS this season. With Vinny Capra designated for assignment and Oliver Dunn being the only other infielder left on the 40-man roster not in the majors, the team looks to Dalbec as a potential solution.

Dalbec, who had a notable season in 2021 with the Boston Red Sox, saw his opportunities diminish following the emergence of Rafael Devers and Tristan Casas in Boston. His acquisition represents a low-risk option for the Brewers, who still have an unsettled third base position. If he can regain his offensive rhythm in Nashville, Dalbec could become a significant asset for the Brewers as they push through the season.

As fantasy baseball drafts continue into the 2025 season, savvy players are looking for hidden gems in the later rounds. This year's National League sleepers include Joey Ortiz, a third baseman for the Milwaukee Brewers, who is transitioning to shortstop. After a solid rookie season, he offers reliable stats with a projected average of .248 and 12 home runs in the upcoming year. Additionally, veteran pitcher Justin Verlander, now with the San Francisco Giants, is poised for a bounce-back season after a disappointing 2024. With an ADP of 346.0, he represents an excellent late-round target for fantasy managers.

Other notable mentions include Grant Holmes of the Atlanta Braves, who boasts a commendable strikeout rate and could slide into the starting rotation while filling in for Spencer Strider. Lastly, the Pittsburgh Pirates' Bubba Chandler, an emerging talent with a powerful fastball, could soon become a key player in their rotation after an impressive minor league season.

The Milwaukee Brewers' recent spring training game against the Arizona Diamondbacks was nothing short of chaotic, culminating in a staggering score of 16-9. Starting pitchers Freddy Peralta and Corbin Burnes struggled, yielding a combined 18 runs and 19 hits, highlighting pre-season nerves ahead of opening day against the New York Yankees. Notably, Joey Ortiz had an unexpected exit from the game, rushing to the restroom mid-at-bat, a moment that elicited both laughter and a potential kangaroo court penalty based on team tradition.

Despite the rough outing, Peralta kept his spirits high, commenting on the need to brush off such a performance and focus on the upcoming regular season. The Brewers' offense overwhelmed Burnes, showcasing their prowess with aggressive hitting and baserunning, notably William Contreras' perfect day at the plate. This game served as a reminder of the unpredictability of spring training, where lessons are learned amid the fun.

Joey Ortiz has been named the new shortstop for the Milwaukee Brewers following Willy Adames' move to the San Francisco Giants on a lucrative seven-year deal. The Brewers face a pivotal transition period, and Ortiz, who primarily played third base last season, is set to take on this critical role. Brice Turang, last year's National League Platinum Glove winner, will remain at second base, despite recent shoulder concerns, as he was expected to be healthy for the season's opening. Ortiz brings a solid .239 batting average with 11 home runs and 60 RBIs as a rookie.