Pittsburgh Review

PITTSBURGH – Liover Peguero has observed Luis L. Ortiz frequently during their progression through the Pirates’ farm system, but not much in 2024. Peguero spent most of 2024 in Triple-A Indianapolis, and when they both left Spring Training, Ortiz was in the Pirates’ bullpen without a defined role.

Watching Ortiz perform on Wednesday at PNC Park, Peguero noticed a significant change in his teammate.

“[He’s a] way different guy, you know, right now,” Peguero said. “He's attacking the hitters and that's one thing that's going to get you in a good position to be a pitcher.”

Ortiz concluded his 2024 season with what might have been his best start of the year, striking out five over seven innings of one-run ball. Peguero added a two-run double in the fifth inning, helping the Pirates secure a 2-1 victory over the Brewers.

This marks an important milestone for Ortiz, who struggled throughout 2023. Initially without a set position this season, he gradually worked his way back into the rotation and consistently performed well enough to avoid being sent back to the bullpen. With his seven innings on Wednesday, he finished his first full Major League season with a 7-6 record and a 3.32 ERA over 37 games (15 starts) and 135 2/3 innings.

"I think this last start, what it means is all the work that I put in throughout the year to stay up here and stay healthy,” Ortiz said through interpreter and coach Stephen Morales.

Starting in the bullpen, Ortiz aimed to help the team win by any means necessary. He was quickly placed into high-pressure situations during the season-opening series in Miami and demonstrated why he had been considered a top prospect just a year earlier. As he continued to develop on the mound and refine his routine, he earned more opportunities which translated into success for both him and the team.

“He’s continued to progress,” said manager Derek Shelton. “Some young pitchers would be mad they didn’t make the rotation. He continued to get better throughout the year.”

Ortiz’s only misstep on Wednesday was allowing a home run by Jake Bauers in the second inning. Aside from that moment, he effectively used his two fastballs and newly introduced cutter—a pitch added midseason—to keep Brewers' hitters off-balance by targeting the top of the strike zone.

This approach marked a departure from his previous sinker-slider combination that brought him initial success in 2022.

"There were a lot of changes, for sure, from last year to this year,” Ortiz said. “Where to pitch and stuff like that. I added the cutter and that has been a really good weapon for me. You know, I'm proud of how hard I've worked with the staff. It worked for me."

Looking ahead to 2025, Ortiz is expected to be part of one of baseball's most promising young rotations alongside Mitch Keller, Paul Skenes, Jared Jones, Bailey Falter, Johan Oviedo—who is returning from Tommy John surgery—and several pitching prospects. His development this season ensures he remains an integral part of this team moving forward.

“He should be proud,” Shelton said. “In his case, it’s the culmination of a really good year where he got better. We challenge people to get better. We challenge ourselves to get better. He did that throughout the year, and he’s put himself in a really good spot.”