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Rafael Ortega suffers broken left ring finger, ending his 2022 season

2 years agoAndy Martinez

Rafael Ortega’s 2022 was cut short Tuesday in New York.

The left-handed hitting center fielder took a 98 mph fastball from Jacob deGrom off his left ring finger in the 4th inning while attempting to bunt. Ortega broke the finger.

“His season is over,” David Ross told reporters after the game.

On an 0-1 count with runners on first and second and no outs, Ortega tried to lay down a bunt to advance Franmil Reyes and Ian Happ, but the ball hit the tip of his finger. Michael Hermosillo took his place, laying down a sacrifice bunt, then reaching on a throwing error from James McCann.

Ortega ends the season with a .241/.331/.358 slash line and 7 home runs, 35 RBI and 12 stolen bases. He was a revelation last year, hitting .291 with an .823 OPS in 103 games, manning the leadoff spot and playing center field.

His regression this year adds another layer to his long-term status with the organization. The Cubs face a serious 40-man roster crunch, and the 31-year-old outfielder will face a tough battle with many outfielders on the roster and plenty of prospects who could warrant a 40-man spot.

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