Former New York Yankees outfielder Rafael Ortega. Dave Nelson-USA TODAY Sports

Yankees grant OF Rafael Ortega his release

By Aaron Somers | Last updated 3/28/23

Viewed by many as a favorite to win a spot on the New York Yankees Opening Day roster, outfielder Rafael Ortega has reportedly been granted his release from the organization.

Ortega had signed a minor league deal with New York with the expectation that he would compete with Estevan Florial for the last spot on the bench.

MLB Trade Rumors' Steve Adams reported the news, noting that Ortega requested the Yankees release him upon learning that he would not make the roster.

Ortega will now be a free agent.

Rafael Ortega has requested and been granted his release from the #Yankees, I’m told.
— Steve Adams (@Adams_Steve) March 28, 2023

Originally signed as an amateur free agent by the Colorado Rockies in 2008, Ortega made his debut with the team with a brief cameo in 2012.

Most of the next decade Ortega would spend in the minor leagues, though he would get a few opportunities. Once he arrived in Chicago in 2021, the Cubs gave him his first real extended look in the majors and he went on to hit .265/.344/.408 over the next two seasons.

Ortega, 31, did not have a great spring for the Yankees. In 18 games, he batted just .165/.319/.486. Five of his six hits were for extra bases but it still wasn't enough to unseat Florial, who presumably will get the last spot on the bench.

Florial, 25, equally struggled this spring, hitting just .167/.286/.262 in 22 games. He's received 63 plate appearances in the majors for the Yankees but has yet to produce, posting a .185/.302/.278 line.

Both outfielders are out of options and could not be sent to the minor leagues without first clearing waivers.

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