Brewers 2B Joseph Ortiz gets routine day off

Backup David Hamilton to start at shortstop in series opener against Marlins

Apr. 18, 2026 at 1:51am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the movements and positioning of a baseball player on the field, using the vibrant colors of the Brewers and Marlins uniforms.A cubist interpretation of a Brewers player's positioning on the field during a game against the Marlins.Today in Miami

Milwaukee Brewers second baseman Joseph Ortiz will not be in the starting lineup for Friday's game against the Miami Marlins, as it is a scheduled day off for the regular starter. Utility player David Hamilton will fill in at shortstop and bat ninth in the lineup.

Why it matters

Ortiz has been a consistent starter for the Brewers this season, so his absence from the lineup is noteworthy. However, it appears to be a routine rest day rather than an injury concern, allowing the team to give playing time to a backup player.

The details

Ortiz has started each of the Brewers' last five games, so the team is likely just giving him a day off to rest and recharge. David Hamilton, a versatile utility player, will take his place in the lineup and play shortstop for the series opener in Miami.

  • Ortiz is out of the lineup for Friday's contest in Miami.

The players

Joseph Ortiz

The starting second baseman for the Milwaukee Brewers.

David Hamilton

A utility player for the Milwaukee Brewers who will start at shortstop in place of Ortiz on Friday.

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The takeaway

This is a routine day off for Ortiz, who has been a regular starter for the Brewers this season. The team is giving playing time to a backup player while resting their starting second baseman.