Pirates Select Luis Ortiz, Recall Zack Collins; Option Tucupita Marcano, DFA Bligh Madris

Prior to Tuesday’s double header against the Cincinnati Reds, the Pittsburgh Pirates have selected the contract of right-handed pitcher Luis Ortiz and recalled catcher Zack Collins from Triple-A Indianapolis.

Additionally, the Bucs optioned infielder Tucupita Marcano to Indianapolis and designated outfielder Bligh Madris for assignment.

Ortiz, 23, will start the second game of the doubleheader in what will be his major league debut.

In 114.1 innings with Double-A Altoona this season, Ortiz posted a 4.64 ERA with 126 strikeouts and just 34 walks.

The Bucs promoted Ortiz to Triple-A Indianapolis, where the right-hander made two starts, allowing four runs and striking out 12 batters in 10 innings pitched.

Collins was claimed by the Pirates and optioned to Triple-A on Sep. 7. With Indianapolis, Collins went 2 for 8 with a double and an RBI in two games.

For his big league career, the 2016 10th-overall pick has hit .195 with a .653 OPS with 11 home runs and 48 RBIs in parts of four seasons with the White Sox and Blue Jays.

Marcano has appeared in 48 games this season with the Pirates and has slashed .201/.251/.302. The last month has been rough for the 22-year-old, as he has hit just .136 with a .381 OPS in his last 24 games played.

The Bucs optioned Madris to Triple-A at the end of August. In 39 games with Pittsburgh in 2022, Madris hit just .177 with a .509 OPS with seven doubles and a home run.