Indianapolis, IN
Pirates send struggling Luis Ortiz to Triple-A Indianapolis
Luis Ortiz, who has made 10 starts for the Pittsburgh Pirates but recently ran into hard times, was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis on Wednesday.
Ortiz (2-3) was the starting pitcher in the Pirates’ 9-7 victory against the Los Angeles Dodgees on Tuesday when he allowed nine hits, including three home runs, in 3 1/3 innings. In his past two starts, he has given up 10 earned runs and 15 hits (five home runs) in a total of eight innings, with only three strikeouts. His season ERA has climbed to 4.86 and his WHIP to 1.733.
Ortiz, 24, is the second of the Pirates’ young starting pitching prospects to encounter problems this season. Roansy Contreras made 11 starts this season before he was sent to the bullpen. He has a 3-6 record, 6.15 ERA and 1.515 WHIP.
The Pirates called pitcher Yohan Ramirez from Indianapolis to take Ortiz’s spot on the roster. Previously this season, Ramirez worked 19 games in relief for the Pirates, recording a 1-0 record and 3.00 ERA. He was sent to Indianpolis on June 20, compiling a 1-0 record and 0.75 ERA in nine games (one start).
Jerry DiPaola is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Jerry by email at jdipaola@triblive.com or via Twitter .