Report: Pirates To Promote Outfielder Danny Ortiz

Danny Ortiz might be on his way to the Major Leagues

According to Me Gustan Los Deportes, the Pittsburgh Pirates are going to make a roster move. This reported roster move is the promotion of outfielder Danny Ortiz.

Danny Ortiz has spent his entire professional career in the minor leagues and is in his second season in the Pirate farm system. The 27-year old outfielder opened the season at the Triple-A level for the fourth consecutive season, this was the second consecutive season eh opened at Triple-A Indianapolis.

Last season for Indianapolis Danny Ortiz slashed .236/.275/.415/.690 with a .304 wOBA, 91 wRC+, 5.3 percent walk rate, and a 19.4 percent strikeout rate. So far this season for the Indians he owned just a .266 on-base percentage, a .235 wOBA, a wRC+ of 43, and a 20.3 percent strikeout rate.

If Ortiz is indeed promoted, the corresponding roster move would most likely be David Freese being placed on the 10-day disabled list. The Pirates’ third baseman has not played since April 24th due to a hamstring issue.

If this is indeed the case, calling up Ortiz is the wrong move. Instead, the Pirates should promote utility man Max Moroff. Moroff can play multiple positions well and has always had strong on-base skills. This season, however, Moroff has added power to his game with a .237 ISO through his first 80 plate appearances at Triple-A.

Next: Can Josh Harrison Sustain His Hot Start?

The Pittsburgh Pirates entered Spring Training with what appeared to be very good depth when it comes to position players. However, this depth has been tested this season. Starting center fielder Starling Marte is suspended, starting third baseman Jung Ho Kang is being held hostage by a corrupt work visa system, and the team’s top two bench players, David Freese and Adam Frazier, are both injured.

Hopefully, Freese and Frazier will both return soon.