The best rotation the Pittsburgh Pirates can have in the second half of the season

Luis Ortiz

Luis Ortiz made a statement when he made his debut in late 2022. Many were hoping he could take another step forward in 2023 and secure himself a rotation spot, but that didn’t happen. Instead, Ortiz struggled mightily, posting a 4.78 ERA, 5.57 FIP, and 1.70 WHIP. However, Ortiz’s sophomore season has been even better than what many were expecting even last year.

Ortiz has mostly pitched out of long relief this year, starting four of his 26 appearances. In that time, he has pitched 73.2 innings, working to a strong 2.57 ERA, 3.10 FIP, and 1.11 WHIP. Although he hasn’t struck out many batters, sporting a 17% K%, he also hasn’t allowed many walks either, with a 7% BB%. Ortiz has been immune to home runs, only posting a 0.37 HR/9 rate. Ortiz has been about average in limiting hard contact, with an 88.6 MPH exit velocity and 7.9% barrel rate.

Somehow, Ortiz has proven to be an even better starter than a reliever. He’s pitched 24.2 innings coming out of the rotation, allowing two earned runs and a trio of walks, and has struck out 19 batters. Opponents have a .174 batting average and .412 OPS against him. Since the start of June, he’s been next to untouchable. He has just a 2.09 ERA, 2.55 FIP, and 1.02 WHIP with a 21.1% K% and 3% walk rate.

Ortiz has arguably been the most valuable pitcher on the Pirates’ roster. He’s pitched as a long reliever, he’s seen time in higher leverage, and now he’s stepped it up big time when there have been some injuries around him. He’s finally taking that leap forward many were expecting and has been one of the most important pitchers for the Bucs.