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Atlanta Braves Minor League Spotlight: Rafael Ortega shows why it’s never too late

By Clint Manry

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 22: Rafael Ortega #69 of the Atlanta Braves during photo days at Champion Stadium on February 22, 2019 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 22: Rafael Ortega #69 of the Atlanta Braves during photo days at Champion Stadium on February 22, 2019 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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MIAMI, FL – AUGUST 12: Rafael Ortega #52 of the Miami Marlins celebrates with teammates after scoring in the first inning against the New York Mets at Marlins Park on August 12, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL – AUGUST 12: Rafael Ortega #52 of the Miami Marlins celebrates with teammates after scoring in the first inning against the New York Mets at Marlins Park on August 12, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

Model of consistency

In 2018, Ortega played in the Miami Marlins organization, playing 92 games for the Marlins’ Triple-A squad, as well as 41 games for the cellar-dweller of a Major League roster.

In Triple-A last year he was a solid player on defense and provided solid contact skills (.275 BA) with some decent speed (12 SB).

That’s basically what he’s always been in the minors; a gap hitter with some occasional pop and a guy that can give you 15-20 stolen bases each year.

Ortega has also had some good seasons in his professional career. In 2017, while playing for the San Diego Padres Triple-A team, the Venezuelan posted a 121 wRC+ and batted .317 in 121 games.

He hit 6 home runs and stole 26 bases, while also providing solid walk/strikeout rates of 9.7 BB% and 10.4K%

The season prior to that, once again he performed well with a matching .317 average in the LA Angels system. In 2016 he hit 4 home runs and stole 14 bases.

And you can keep going and going.

Basically, for the past five seasons, Rafael Ortega has logged some substantial playing time with various Triple-A teams and produced very similar results. One thing he is, is very consistent.

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