Pirates Add Luis Ortiz to Taxi Squad; Expect Him to Pitch Wednesday

PITTSBURGH — About a month and a half after being optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis, right-hander Luis Ortiz was back in the Pittsburgh Pirates clubhouse.

The right-hander was added to the Pirates’ practice squad and he’s expected to pitch in Wednesday’s game against the St. Louis Cardinals, according to manager Derek Shelton.

Shelton did not specify if Ortiz will be used as a starter or enter the game in relief.

Ortiz’s first stint with the Pirates this season did not go smoothly. In 11 appearances (10 starts), he went 2-3 with a 4.86 ERA with only 34 strikeouts and 26 walks across 53.2 innings pitched.

Since getting optioned to Indianapolis on July 5, Ortiz hasn’t pitched particularly well. In six starts, he posted a 7.77 ERA, but he did strike out 25 batters in 24.1 innings.

The 24-year-old has logged 69.2 innings in the big leagues with the Pirates dating back to last season and is 2-5 with a 4.78 ERA in 15 appearances (14 starts).

A corresponding move on the 26-man roster will be needed prior to the start of the game in order to activate Ortiz.