Rafael Ortega (baseball)


Rafael Ángel Ortega García is a Venezuelan professional baseball outfielder in the Atlanta Braves organization. He has played in Major League Baseball for the Colorado Rockies, Los Angeles Angels, Miami Marlins, and Atlanta.

Career

Colorado Rockies

Ortega was signed as an amateur free agent in 2008 by the Colorado Rockies. He debuted with the Rockies on September 30, 2012. In 2013, Ortega started the season in Double-A and was released after 42 games. He signed with a Venezuelan team for the remainder of the season.

Texas Rangers

Ortega was claimed off waivers by the Texas Rangers on November 27, 2013. The Rangers designated Ortega for assignment on December 30.

St. Louis Cardinals

The St. Louis Cardinals claimed Ortega on January 6, 2014. He played in the Cardinals minor league system for the 2014 and 2015 season.

Los Angeles Angels

The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim signed Ortega to a one-year contract on December 1, 2015. Ortega made the team out of spring training as a fourth outfielder. After injuries to their starting left fielders, Ortega was entrenched as the Angels left fielder. In 36 games, he hit.236 while displaying excellent defense and putting the ball in play, as he struck out just 16 times in 122 at bats. On June 11, Ortega was sent down to Triple-A. He elected free agency in November 2016.

San Diego Padres

On December 13, 2016, Ortega signed a minor league contract with the San Diego Padres.

Miami Marlins

Ortega signed a minor league contract with the Miami Marlins on December 15, 2017. He elected free agency on October 17, 2018.

Atlanta Braves

On November 19, 2018, Ortega signed a minor league deal with the Atlanta Braves with an invitation to spring training. On August 13, 2019, the Braves selected his contract. Ortega hit his second career home run, a grand slam against Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Dustin May, on August 18, 2019. Ortega was non-tendered on December 2, 2019, and became a free agent. On December 10, he re-signed with Atlanta on a minor league contract.