Pittsburgh Pirates News: Luis Oviedo Impresses in Venezuelan Winter League

PITTSBURGH, PA - AUGUST 23: A general view of the field during the game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Milwaukee Brewers at PNC Park on August 23, 2020 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***
PITTSBURGH, PA - AUGUST 23: A general view of the field during the game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Milwaukee Brewers at PNC Park on August 23, 2020 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** /
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After an mpressive showing in the Venezuelan Winter League, the Pittsburgh Pirates have shutdown pitcher Luis Oviedo so he can begin to prepare for Spring Training

During last month’s Rule 5 Draft, the Pittsburgh Pirates added two players. They selected relief pitcher Jose Soriano from the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, although Soriano will miss the 2021 season due to Tommy John surgery, they also added releiver Luis Oviedo via trade.

Oviedo was selected by the New York Mets in the Rule 5 Draft. The Mets then traded him to the Pittsburgh Pirates. Due to this the Pirates must carry Oviedo on their active roster for the entire 2021 season or else they will risk losing him back to Oviedo’s original ball club the Cleveland Indians. If Oviedo’s performance in the Venezuelan Winter League was any sign of things to come, then he should have no problem remaining on the Pirates’ MLB roster for the entire 2021 season.

To say that the 21-year-old Oviedo was impressive in the Venzuelan Winter League would be an understatement. In 14.1 relief innings pitched, Oviedo allowed just one run, he did not walk a batter and he struck out 10.

After this strong showing the Pittsburgh Pirates have decided to shut Oviedo down so he can begin to prepare for Spring Training.

Entering the 2021 season there will be plenty of opportunities available in the Pirate bullpen. This alone would give Oviedo a great chance to make an impact for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2021. Combine this with his Rule 5 status, and, barring a disaster in the Grapefruit League, Oviedo should be a lock to be a member of the Opening Day bullpen for the Pirates.

Oviedo is a rare reliever who throws four pitches. His four pitch mix includes a four-seamed fastball, slider, change up, and a curveball. FanGraphs gives Oviedo’s fastball and curveball future values of 50, while his slider and change up have a FV of 45. His command is also given a FV of 45.

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Entering Spring Training there were going to be few players in Pirate camp that would be more intriguing to watch than Oviedo. With his strong performance in the Venezuelan Winter League, this intrigue has only grown.