WASHINGTON – Center fielder Rafael Ortega was supposed to be a short-term solution when the Cubs recalled the 30-year-old from Triple-A Iowa in late May, but since joining the team all he’s done is hit. Ortega was arguably the Cubs’ best hitter in the month of July, slashing .368/.419/.544 with five doubles, a triple and a home run.
Ortega was starting to see more time in the lineup before the Cubs’ moves at the deadline and with more regular at-bats available, but in Sunday’s 6-5 loss, the veteran outfielder showed why he’s getting those chances.
The center fielder had a historic afternoon in the Cubs’ series finale in DC, slugging three homers in the Cubs’ loss to the Nationals.