Luis Ortiz is finally finding success in his new relief role.

Is Luis Ortiz’s impressive performance out of the bullpen just a temporary hot streak, or does it signify his potential for sustained success in this role?

During Spring Training, Luis Ortiz was vying for a spot in the Pittsburgh rotation among several contenders. Despite a solid performance, he was ultimately assigned to the bullpen. Since transitioning to this role, Ortiz has showcased considerable improvement on the mound, emerging as a dependable option for the Pirates, particularly in tight games. This newfound success can be attributed to his enhanced control, a facet of his game that was lacking in the previous season.

In the preceding year, Ortiz appeared in 18 games for the Pirates, tallying a 5-5 record with a 4.78 ERA over 86.2 innings pitched. He struck out 59 batters but struggled with a high 1.70 WHIP and a FIP of 5.57, primarily due to allowing too many baserunners. Notably, his walks per nine innings stood at 4.98, while opponents hit .288 against him.

To solidify his spot with the Pirates, Ortiz underwent offseason adjustments. Following an impressive spring, he secured a role in the bullpen, where he has flourished. In 12 appearances this season, Ortiz holds a 2-2 record with a 3.20 ERA across 19.2 innings pitched, striking out 14 batters. His WHIP stands at a commendable 1.12, with a FIP of 3.57. While he has issued 10 walks, two of which were intentional, Ortiz is also recording more strikeouts.

Ortiz primarily relies on a sinker and a four-seam fastball, both clocking around 95 miles per hour. Although his velocity has slightly decreased since his rookie year, he has refined his pitching approach, resulting in more effective outcomes. His slider, boasting a 28.3 percent whiff rate, has become a potent weapon, contributing to over a third of his strikeouts. However, he continues to fine-tune his changeup, struggling with its control despite limiting hits.

If Ortiz maintains his command and pitch accuracy, he will undoubtedly bolster the Pirates’ pitching arsenal. His performance this season signals significant improvement from the previous year, establishing him as a valuable asset in the bullpen. Observers should continue monitoring Ortiz’s progression throughout the season as he further solidifies his role with the Pirates.