PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Still optimistic about starting pitcher Vince Velasquez getting on the mound soon after leaving his start on Thursday with elbow discomfort, the Bucs are going with a pitcher from the minors who has already flashed potential.
Luis Ortiz can run the fastball up to 100 mph and in his first MLB start in September of last year he gave up one hit and struck out five in 5.2 innings against Cincinnati. He would strike out five Yankees in his next start giving up two earned runs in five innings. Struck out seven Cubs in his third start giving up one run over five innings.
When JT Brubaker went down at the end of Spring Training and was lost for the season, the Bucs went with Johan Oviedo as the fifth starter. Ortiz went to the minors posted a 2.23 ERA over seven starts at AAA with 29 strikeouts to 11 walks in 32.1 innings.
"He's been throwing the ball well," said Pirates Manager Derek Shelton. "He's moving down the mound better. I think in spring training we talked about how he was moving down the mound. We needed it to be a little bit cleaner. It has definitely been that way his last three-ish starts. He's been throwing the ball well."
"We expect him to compete," said Pirates GM Ben Cherington. "He's got ability, really good pitches, competitive. He's used his time at Indy to his benefit. He's in a good spot physically, his delivery is in a better spot than it was in spring training, he's throwing strikes. We expect him to compete and attack the zone. If he does that, he'll be effective."
Officially the Pirates will only say they 'anticipate' he will start Tuesday against the Rockies. They have been impressed with his command and throwing strikes. The right-hander has always had the velocity and stuff, it's been about throwing strikes. In his first 50 professional innings in rookie ball in 2019, Ortiz allowed 24 walks, hit three other batters with 10 wild pitches. Last year with Altoona, he got his walks down to 2.7 per nine innings, which gave him the opportunity at AAA and eventually with the Pirates.
Cherington said at this time last year they wouldn't have imagined Ortiz pitching in the majors in 2022, but he did. Now it's 'anticipated' the 24-year-old will get another shot at MLB. How long he stays is determined not only by his performance, but the health of Velasquez.
"We saw Louie last year," Shelton said. "We know he has multiple weapons. We've talked about pitching depth and making sure that we're building pitching depth, and he's part of it. Those are the things that have stood out over the last few outings."
Another chance to see Louie on Tuesday after impressing at AAA. It likely won't be the last time fans see him at PNC Park in 2023.
