LUIS L. ORTIZ NEWS

Roughed up early Ortiz allowed four runs on three hits and two walks while striking out five over 2.2 innings in Saturday's spring start against the Padres.

Impact Ortiz struggled with command early in his third Cactus League start. He walked two and allowed four runs in the first inning before being pulled as part of the re-entry rule. It was the second time in three spring outings that he's struggled with command. The silver lining is that he re-entered to open the second inning and retired six of the final seven batters faced. Ortiz's spring ERA jumped to 14.14 over seven innings, but as the Guardians' major offseason pitching acquisition, the right-hander is expected to occupy a spot in the rotation.

MARCH 9 • ROTOWIRE

Knocked around in debut Oritz allowed six runs on six hits and one walk while striking out one over 1.1 innings in Tuesday's game against the Brewers.

Impact Ortiz gave up three runs in the first and second innings before departing after 37 pitches (20 strikes). He had trouble finding the plate and paid for it. One silver lining was Oritz's fastball velocity which topped out at 97.6 mph. The right-hander's career took a leap in 2024, when he posted a 3.32 ERA as a swingman for the Pirates, and Ortiz is expected to win a job as a full-time starter.

FEBRUARY 26 • ROTOWIRE

Dealt to Guardians The Pirates traded Ortiz to the Guardians on Tuesday alongside Josh Hartle and Michael Kennedy in exchange for Spencer Horwitz, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

Impact Ortiz took a massive leap in 2024, posting a 3.32 ERA and 1.11 WHIP alongside a 107:42 K:BB in 135.2 innings. The Pirates used him as both a starter and reliever last year, though Shane Bieber's (elbow) injury and a general lack of starter depth could prompt Cleveland to keep Ortiz in its rotation full-time.

DECEMBER 11, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Goes seven strong in win Ortiz (7-6) earned the win against the Brewers on Wednesday, allowing one run on four hits and one walk with five strikeouts over seven innings.

Impact Ortiz allowed a solo home run to Jake Bauers in the second inning but rebounded with five scoreless frames to end his 2024 campaign with a victory. Over his final 10 outings, the 25-year-old compiled four quality starts while yielding two earned runs or fewer five times. He'll finish the season with a solid 3.32 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 107:42 K:BB over a career-high 135.2 innings as both a starter and reliever.

SEPTEMBER 26, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Fans seven in quality start Ortiz allowed two runs on five hits and two walks while striking out seven batters over six innings in a no-decision against St. Louis on Thursday.

Impact Ortiz held the Cardinals scoreless over the first three innings before St. Louis put up a run in the fourth and another in the sixth. The right-hander notched his sixth quality start of the campaign, which is more impressive when considering that only 14 of his 36 appearances have come as a starter. Ortiz also tied his season high with seven punchouts Thursday, a mark he had previously achieved two times.

SEPTEMBER 20, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Falls to Kansas City Ortiz (6-6) took the loss Friday against the Royals, allowing seven runs (four earned) on five hits and two walks over four innings. He struck out five.

Impact Ortiz and the Pirates fell into a deep hole early after Kansas City put up a six spot in the second inning. The 25-year-old Ortiz has now allowed 11 runs (seven earned) across 9.2 innings in his last two starts. His ERA sits at 3.45 on the year with a 1.13 WHIP and 95:39 K:BB across 122.2 innings. He'll look to right the ship in his next outing, currently scheduled for next week on the road in St. Louis.

SEPTEMBER 14, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Struggles against Nationals Ortiz (6-5) took the loss in Game 1 of Saturday's doubleheader against Washington, allowing four runs (three earned) on six hits and two walks while striking out two batters over 5...

Impact Ortiz was originally scheduled to start Friday, but his outing was pushed back a day due to a weather-related postponement. The right-hander wasn't at his sharpest against Washington, as only 58 of his 100 pitches were strikes and he departed with two outs in the sixth inning trailing 4-0. Ortiz still fell one out shy of recording his third straight quality start, however -- he entered Saturday having tossed consecutive six-inning scoreless outings. He'll look to bounce back in his next start, which is tentatively slated to be at home against Kansas City.

SEPTEMBER 8, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Struggles against Nationals Ortiz (6-5) took the loss in Game 1 of Saturday's doubleheader against Washington, allowing four runs (three earned) on six hits and two walks while striking out two batters over 5...

Impact Ortiz was originally scheduled to start Friday, but his outing was pushed back a day due to a weather-related postponement. The right-hander wasn't at his sharpest against Washington, as only 58 of his 100 pitches were strikes and he departed with two outs in the sixth inning trailing 4-0. Ortiz fell one out shy of recording his third straight quality start, however. He'll look to bounce back in his next start, which is tentatively slated to be at home against Kansas City.

SEPTEMBER 8, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Nationals-Pirates postponed Ortiz will not start Friday against the Nationals as the game has been postponed due to inclement weather.

Impact Friday's contest will be made up Saturday as part of a double-header, and Ortiz will likely play in the first game scheduled for 1:35 PM ET. Ortiz has appeared in 33 games games this season (including 11 starts) and has a 3.19 ERA and 1.10 wHIP across 113 innings.

SEPTEMBER 6, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Blanks Guardians for sixth win Ortiz (6-4) picked up the win Saturday, allowing one hit and three walks over six scoreless innings in a 3-0 victory over Cleveland. He struck out five.

Impact The right-hander extended his scoreless streak to 15 innings as he collected his fifth quality start of the season, and his first win since July 20. Ortiz is making a strong case to be a regular member of the Pirates' rotation in 2025 -- over eight starts since the All-Star break, he's posted a 3.69 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 31:16 K:BB through 46.1 innings. He'll look to keep rolling in his next outing, which lines up to come at home next weekend against the Nationals.

SEPTEMBER 1, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Blanks Guardians for sixth win Ortiz (6-4) picked up the win Saturday, allowing one hit and three walks over six scoreless innings in a 3-0 victory over Cleveland. He struck out five.

Impact The right-hander extended his scoreless streak to 15 innings as he collected his fifth quality start of the season, and his first win since July 20. Ortiz is making a strong case to be a regular member of the Pirates' rotation in 2025 -- over eight starts since the All-Star break, he's posted a 3.69 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 31:16 K:BB through 46.1 innings. He'll look to keep rolling in his next outing, which lines up to come at home next weekend against the Nationals.

SEPTEMBER 1, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Ortiz finds career-best form with another scoreless start CLEVELAND – Luis L. Ortiz extended his scoreless-inning streak to a career-high 15 frames by tossing six strong frames Saturday at Progressi...

SEPTEMBER 1, 2024 • MLB.COM

Fires six shutout innings Ortiz didn't factor into the decision Sunday against Cincinnati, allowing four hits and one walk with five strikeouts across six scoreless innings.

Impact Ortiz struggled greatly in his first four appearances of August, tallying a 6.45 ERA and an 0-2 record across 22.1 innings while allowing eight home runs. He righted the ship Sunday against the Reds, though he didn't get the win to show for it. Ortiz has a 3.36 ERA and an 83:32 K:BB through 32 appearances (10 starts) spanning 107 innings. His next start is tentatively scheduled to come against the Guardians in Cleveland.

AUGUST 25, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Fans seven in loss Ortiz (5-4) took the loss Monday against Texas, allowing four runs on five hits and one walk over six innings. He struck out seven.

Impact The Pirates right-hander pitched relatively well, allowing six or fewer baserunners for his third straight outing, but could not contain Corey Seager. Ortiz yielded two homers to Seager, accounting for all four runs allowed. The 25-year-old has had great difficult in keeping the ball in the yard lately, allowing nine home runs over his last five appearances. During that time, he's pitched to a 6.26 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 19:10 K:BB across 27.1 innings. Ortiz is currently scheduled to make his next start against the Reds at home this weekend.

AUGUST 20, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

No run support in loss Ortiz (5-3) took the loss Tuesday against the Padres, allowing two runs (one earned) on three hits and two walks while striking out three over five innings.

Impact Tuesday was Ortiz's first loss in eight starts this year and it was his first loss since May 8. The Padres tacked on an unearned run against him in the first due to a fielding error by Oneil Cruz. He went on to face one over the minimum through the next three innings before David Peralta led off the fifth with a solo home run to right center field. Tuesday was the second time Ortiz had faced the Padres in less than a week and he fared well after allowing four runs against them the first time out. He's now given up one or fewer earned runs in four of his last seven starts and owns a 3.32 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 71:30 K:BB in 95 innings. Oritz lines up to face the Rangers on the road next week.

AUGUST 14, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Allows two more homers Ortiz did not factor into the decision, allowing four runs on four hits and one walk over six innings Thursday against the Padres. He struck out three.

Impact Ortiz was touched up by Manny Machado in the first for a two-run blast, then David Peralta matched the favor in the second. That's now six homers and 13 runs allowed by Ortiz over his last three starts, though to his credit he's managed to complete at least five innings in each, including allowing no additional runs during his final four innings to keep the Pirates within striking distance Thursday. Despite the recent struggles, Ortiz has by-and-large pitched well for the Buccos this season, starting seven of his 29 appearances while compiling a 3.40 ERA and 1.16 ERA with 68 strikeouts over 90 innings. His next start is scheduled to take place next week when the Pirates travel to the left coast to take on these same Padres in San Diego.

AUGUST 9, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Ambushed by Arizona Ortiz escaped with a no-decision in Friday's 9-8 loss to the Diamondbacks, coughing up six runs on six hits -- including three home runs -- and three walks over 5.1 innings. He str...

Impact All three long balls came in the first inning, as Ketel Marte, Joc Pederson and Josh Bell went back-to-back-to-back as part of a five-run frame. It's the first time since June 21 that Ortiz has served up multiple homers, and over six appearances between those two games he'd posted a 1.71 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and 27:6 K:BB through 31.2 innings. With Jared Jones (lat) inching closer to a return though, Ortiz likely can't afford more meltdowns if he wants to hang onto his spot in the rotation. He's scheduled to make his next start at home next week against the Padres.

AUGUST 3, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Yields three runs Friday Ortiz allowed three runs on five hits and three walks while striking out four over five innings in a no-decision versus the Diamondbacks.

Impact This ended Ortiz's stretch of five straight outings -- including four starts -- without allowing more than one run. The right-hander faded in the sixth inning, allowing a solo home run to Joc Pederson and walking Christian Walker before Carmen Mlodzinski completed the Pirates' collapse. Ortiz is now at a 2.75 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 63:24 K:BB over 78.2 innings through 27 appearances (five starts) this season. His next outing is projected to be at Houston.

JULY 27, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Blanks Philly for fifth win Ortiz (5-2) picked up the win Saturday, allowing three hits and two walks over seven scoreless innings in a 4-1 victory over the Phillies. He struck out two.

Impact The right-hander continued an impressive stretch that has seen him give up only three runs in 26.2 innings over his last five appearances (four starts) with a 23:3 K:BB. Ortiz may not be able to hang onto a rotation spot once Jared Jones (lat) gets healthy no matter how well he does, but he's making a strong case to be in the Pirates' long-term pitching plans. Ortiz will take a 2.57 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 59:21 K:BB through 73.2 innings this season into his next outing, which is scheduled to come on the road next weekend in Arizona.

JULY 21, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Pitches well in no-decision Ortiz did not factor into the decision in Saturday's 6-2 win over the White Sox, allowing one run on four hits and one walk with five strikeouts over 5.2 innings.

Impact Ortiz tossed five scoreless innings before allowing an RBI single in the sixth. He was pulled just shy of a quality start at 94 pitches and has now yielded a total of two earned runs in his three opportunities to start this season. While it is unclear if the 25-year-old will remain in the rotation after the All-Star break, he has certainly earned it with a 2.84 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 57:19 K:BB across 66.2 innings this season.

JULY 13, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Pitches well in no-decision Ortiz did not factor into the decision in Saturday's 6-2 win over the White Sox, allowing one run on four hits and one walk with five strikeouts over 5.2 innings.

Impact Ortiz tossed five scoreless innings before allowing an RBI single in the sixth. He was pulled just shy of a quality start at 94 pitches and has now yielded a total of two earned runs in his three opportunities to start this season. While it is unclear if the 25-year-old will remain in the rotation after the All-Star break, he has likely earned additional starting opportunities by posting a 2.84 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 57:19 K:BB across 66.2 innings this season.

JULY 13, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Productive again in spot start Ortiz did not factor into the decision in Sunday's loss to the Mets. He threw six shutout innings, giving up four hits and striking out five.

Impact Ortiz is making a strong case to keep a spot in the Pirates rotation, especially with Bailey Falter recently hitting the IL with arm discomfort. Ortiz was given his second start of the season Sunday, and for the second time he hurled six impressive frames as the opener. The 25-year-old is pitching to a 2.95 ERA and 1.18 WHIP across 61 innings in his third big league season.

JULY 7, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Starting Sunday Ortiz will start Sunday's game against the Mets, Alex Stumpf of MLB.com reports.

Impact Ortiz has been working in a multi-inning role since the start of June and made a spot start June 26 against Cincinnati before returning the the bullpen. The 25-year-old hasn't pitched since Tuesday and completed six innings in his start against the Reds, so he should be able to handle a typical starters' workload Sunday. Through 55.0 innings, Ortiz owns a 3.27 ERA and a 47:18 K:BB.

JULY 6, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Starting Sunday Ortiz will start Sunday's game against the Mets, Alex Stumpf of MLB.com reports.

Impact After being deployed as a starter or bulk reliever for most of June, Ortiz had made a two-inning relief appearance in most recent outing Tuesday versus the Cardinals. Given that the 25-year-old covered a season-high six innings in his prior appearance June 26, he should be able to handle a typical starter's workload as he steps back into the rotation Sunday. Through 55 innings on the season, Ortiz owns a 3.27 ERA and a 47:18 K:BB.

JULY 6, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Works in relief Tuesday Ortiz struck out four and allowed one run on three hits and no walks over two innings out of the bullpen in Tuesday's 7-4 loss to the Cardinals.

Impact Ortiz had covered six innings while striking out seven batters -- both season highs -- while serving as a starter in his previous appearance June 26 in Cincinnati, but the Pirates seem to have moved him back to the bullpen following Martin Perez's return from the injured list. The Pirates have since placed another starter in Jared Jones (lat) on the IL, but Quinn Priester (lat) could be on track to return from the IL to fill Jones' open rotation spot, which next comes up Sunday versus the Mets. Ortiz would be a candidate to start Sunday if the Pirates insead elect to have Priester make another rehab start in the minors before coming off the IL.

JULY 5, 2024 • ROTOWIRE