1. Ortiz’s Tough Outing Against the Rays: A Break in the Momentum
The previously successful combination of Carmen Mlodzinski and Luis Ortiz faltered at PNC Park on Friday night. The Tampa Bay Rays amassed 14 hits against the duo, resulting in a 10-3 defeat for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Despite Ortiz’s recent success in a bulk reliever role, allowing only one run over 9 1/3 innings in two outings, this game saw a drastic decline in his performance.
2. Early Promise Crumbles: Ortiz’s Struggles Unfold
Ortiz’s night began with promise but quickly unraveled. Mlodzinski allowed a run off four hits, setting the stage for Ortiz, who then surrendered six runs and 10 hits over four innings, including two home runs by Josh Lowe. The change in Ortiz’s pitch strategy played a significant role in the outcome.
3. Change in Strategy: Four-Seam Fastball Overload
Ortiz deviated from his usual reliance on sinkers, instead opting for his four-seam fastball more frequently against the Rays. Typically throwing the four-seamer only 18.6% of the time, Ortiz increased this to 44.3% on Friday. The Rays, despite their poor stats against four-seamers, capitalized on this shift, leading to critical hits and a game-changing home run by Lowe.
4. Pirates’ Missed Opportunities: The Fourth Inning
The Pirates had a chance to close the gap in the fourth inning, scoring two runs and loading the bases. However, Andrew McCutchen’s double-play grounder to third ended the rally, leaving the Pirates unable to mount a significant comeback.
5. Consistency Issues: Double-Digit Run Games
This game marked the fourth instance this month where the Pirates have allowed double-digit runs. While starting pitching remains a strength, the team is currently stretched thin, often resorting to bullpen games. This strategy has been necessary due to managing the workloads of young pitchers Paul Skenes and Jared Jones, and several injured starters.
6. Injuries and Rotational Gaps: Who’s Coming Back?
Key starters like Martín Pérez, Quinn Priester, and Marco Gonzales are making progress in their rehabilitation. Pérez is set for a rehab start with Triple-A Indianapolis, and Priester recently threw live batting practice. Gonzales, although behind in his recovery, is also expected to return this season. Additionally, Mike Burrows, recovering from Tommy John surgery, is on track to begin rehab with Single-A Bradenton.
7. Cincinnati Series: More Bullpen Games Ahead
With the upcoming series against the Cincinnati Reds, the Pirates will likely continue their bullpen game strategy. Ortiz, comfortable in his role as a pseudo-starter, may be called upon again to bridge the gap until the injured starters return.
8. Ortiz’s Confidence Amid Challenges
Despite the tough outing, Ortiz remains confident in his ability to adapt to the pseudo-starter role. “I feel comfortable with that,” Ortiz said. “It’s been working a lot. If that’s the role I have to go into the game to, I’m more than comfortable with it.”
9. Manager’s Perspective: Adjusting to the Situation
Pirates manager Derek Shelton acknowledged the challenges but emphasized the need for Ortiz and the team to adapt. “They put the ball in play,” Shelton said. “There wasn’t a ton of hard contact, even with Carmen. There was not a lot of hard contact. Then, ultimately, the command wasn’t what we’ve seen over the last couple outings.”
10. Looking Ahead: Pirates’ Rotational Strategies
The Pirates must navigate these rotation concerns with strategic bullpen games and spot starts until their key starters return. The development and adaptation of pitchers like Ortiz will be crucial in maintaining the team’s competitive edge in the coming weeks.
