Abimelec Ortiz homers in new starting role

Terribly unfortunate to miss a start against RHP Gabriel Hughes, who is 0-5 with a 6.54 ERA. Andrés Chaparro will draw the assignment instead. It’s the first day off for Ortiz in the last six.

Ortiz poked an opposite-field solo blast off Christian Scott to account for the Nationals’ only extra-base hit on the afternoon. The lefty-hitting first baseman came over from the Rangers in last winter’s MacKenzie Gore trade, and he’s essentially filled Luis García Jr.'s role since the trade deadline. Ortiz has started at first and hit second in every game against a right-hander since being called up. He has impressive batted-ball metrics through 14 games with Washington, and the only blemish in his profile is a poor walk rate. That doesn’t align with what he showed in the minors. There could be further upside if his patience improves and the remaining Statcast metrics hold.

Ortiz smacked a one-out single off of Kevin Gausman in the fourth inning and scored the game’s first run on an RBI double by Dylan Crews. He then broke the game open as he ambushed a first-pitch fastball from Gausman for a 414-foot (105.2-mph EV) three-run shot in the fifth inning. The 24-year-old is taking advantage of his opportunity here, slashing .333/.355/.767 with four homers and eight RBI in his first 31 plate appearances with the Nationals. He could be worth a look in deeper mixed leagues until he shows any signs of cooling down.

Ortiz began the game on the bench with southpaw David Peterson on the mound for the Cubs. In the sixth inning, he pinch hit for Andres Chaparro and hit a home run off right-hander Javier Assad. Ortiz’ home run was his third in his first 26 at-bats in the major leagues. While his playing time will continue to be limited to the strong side of the first base platoon, his power appears legitimate enough to be worth a twirl in mixed leagues.

Ortiz takes a seat with lefty Shota Imanaga toeing the rubber for Chicago in this one. He’ll continue to sit in favor of Andrés Chaparro against most left-handers over the final few weeks of the season. The 24-year-old rookie has gone deep twice in seven games since returning to the majors last week. He’s at least worthy of a speculative roster spot in deeper mixed leagues based on his power upside.

The 24-year-old slugger tagged Reds’ starter Brady Singer for a 378-foot (102.4-mph EV) solo shot in the third inning that extended the Nationals’ edge to 3-1. He finished the day 2-for-3 and is now hitting .273/.304/.591 with a pair of homers and four RBI in his first 23 MLB plate appearances.

Ortiz was one of the big winners from a playing time standpoint at the trade deadline after the Nationals jettisoned Luis García Jr. to the Yankees. The 24-year-old should play everyday at first base against right-handed starters and offers enough over-the-fence pop to be an impactful addition in deeper mixed leagues, especially if he’s going to bat near the top of Washington’s lineup.

Ortiz, who homered during Monday’s series opener in Philadelphia, takes a seat with Andrés Chaparro getting the nod to face lefty Jesús Luzardo. The 24-year-old has an interesting fantasy skillset since he offers some over-the-fence pop and should bat near the heart of Washington’s lineup. He’s probably going to sit against most lefties over the final two months, but should do enough damage against right-handers to merit roster consideration in deeper mixed leagues.

Instead of just turning first base over to hot-hitting Andrés Chapparo with Luis García Jr. gone, the Nationals will take a longer look at Ortiz, who was part of the MacKenzie Gore trade with the Rangers. He was hitting .244/.348/.497 with 18 homers for Rochester. Of the two, he does have the better chance of being a useful starter against righties in 2026, and he could have some NL-only value now. Chaparro has made a case for an expanded role, but he still figures to work best as a platoon guy against lefties going forward.

Ortiz’s major league stint lasted just a few hours, but at least he did get to start and go 1-for-2 against the Yankees. The Nationals will add a pitcher in his place after the break.