Cubs Outfielder Fractures Finger; Done For Season

The Chicago Cubs don't have much left to play for, but it still hurts when they lose a good veteran for the balance of the season. Outfielder Rafael Ortega has suffered a fractured finger, and is out until 2023.

The #Cubs today placed OF Rafael Ortega on the 60-day IL with a left ring finger fracture and selected OF Jared Young from @IowaCubs. pic.twitter.com/ZGMNFEy80N

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) September 14, 2022

Ortega has gone straight to the 60-day IL, and the Cubs have called up Jared Young from Triple-A Iowa to replace him on the roster.  

Ortega, 31, has hit .241 this season with a .331 on-base percentage, 7 HR and 12 SB. But more notably, as pointed out by The Athletic's Sahadev Sharma, he's been a leader in the clubhouse for the young Cubbies. 

Left ring finger fracture for Rafael Ortega. His season is over. Tough end for a veteran who's worked hard for the team the last two seasons and turned into a good example for younger players.

— Sahadev Sharma (@sahadevsharma) September 14, 2022

Ortega has made the majority of his starts in center field for the Cubs. This will likely open up a bit more playing time for 23-year-olds Christopher Morel and Nelson Velázquez. 

Photos: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports, David Banks-USA TODAY Sports