CINCINNATI — The Pirates will have a new pitcher when they arrive in Cincinnati for four games over three days against the Reds at Great American Ball Park, as a source told the Post-Gazette on Sunday that the organization is promoting Luis Ortiz.
The 23-year-old right-hander delivered six no-hit innings with nine strikeouts in his last outing for Triple-A Indianapolis. It was his second outing there after he was promoted from Double-A Altoona on Sept. 1.
Ortiz has made a pair of starts for Pittsburgh’s top minor league affiliate, striking out 12 in 10 innings. In 24 games (23 starts) with the Curve, Ortiz went 5-9 with a 4.64 ERA in 114 1/3 innings, racking up 126 strikeouts and walking just 34.
It’s been a quick ascent through the minor leagues for Ortiz, who signed with the Pirates as an international free agent in October 2018, pitching last season for Low-A Bradenton.
Ortiz throws a fastball that sits around 97 mph and touches triple digits. He complements it with a terrific slider. Over his last 31 innings, Ortiz has a 2.61 ERA with a 0.94 WHIP and 2.48 FIP. He has struck out 35% while posting a walk rate of 6.5%. MLB Pipeline considers Ortiz the Pirates’ 30th-best prospect.
It is not yet known who Ortiz will replace — if anyone at all. He also could be used as help for Pittsburgh’s doubleheader on Tuesday.
Jason Mackey: jmackey@post-gazette.com and Twitter @JMackeyPG.
First Published: September 11, 2022, 11:35 p.m.
