It’s not often you see a pitcher who played the entire 2021 season in Single-A reach the big leagues the following year, especially in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization.
It’s even rarer when a starting pitcher, rather than a bullpen arm, ascends through the ranks to accomplish this feat. Age can play a factor as well as the round they were selected.
None of the above applies to Luis Ortiz.
A 23-year-old right-hander from San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic, Ortiz has opened eyes in Pittsburgh following his first three Major League starts. In 15.