Infielder Jonathan Ornelas, who was designated for assignment by the Brewers earlier this week, cleared waivers and was assigned outright to Triple-A Nashville. Since he has a previous career outright, he has the right to elect free agency and has exercised that right. Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel passed along the info.
Ornelas, 26, has generally been a light-hitting utility guy in his career. He has appeared in four different big league seasons, making 80 plate appearances in total with a combined line of .203/.253/.230. Defensively, he has lined up at second base, third base, shortstop, left field and center field.
He exhausted his final option season in 2025. He was outrighted by Atlanta late last year and became a free agent. He had to settle for a minor league deal with the Yankees coming into this season. He has been performing well in the minors this year and opted out of that pact, which has led to him bouncing to the Athletics and Brewers, getting some big league time with the latter two clubs.
That time in the show has been very limited, with Ornelas hitting .190/.227/.190 in 20 plate appearances this year. In the minors, he has 308 plate appearances this season with a .310/.378/.505 line and 128 wRC+. That is propped up by a .381 batting average on balls in play but he has 11 home runs and 11 stolen bases.
Ornelas will now head to the open market and see what opportunities await him. Since he just cleared waivers, he should be limited to minor league offers. A team looking for some extra depth will likely scoop him up. He would be postseason eligible with that club if he signs by September 1, even if it’s a minor league pact.
Photo courtesy of Jon Endow, Imagn Images
