The Mets have signed right-handed pitcher to a minor league contract, which includes an invitation to New York’s spring training camp, according to MLB Network’s Jon Morosi. He was removed from the Astros’ 40-man roster in November and, since this wasn’t his first career outright, he chose to become a free agent.
The 28-year-old made his Major League debut in 2021 and has posted a 4.03 ERA, a 20.4% strikeout rate, and a 10.8% walk rate over 58 career relief innings with the Angels and Twins. After being claimed off waivers by Houston from the Twins in October 2023, Ortega did not appear in any games for the Astros, either in the majors or minors. He missed the entire 2024 season due to a pair of surgeries, the first of which in Spring Training to remove loose bodies from his throwing elbow was unsuccessful. He then required a second surgery in June to remove a bone spur from the same elbow.
While the minor league deal is not a significant commitment, the Mets appear confident enough in Ortega’s health to offer him a chance in Spring Training. At the Triple-A level, Ortega has a 3.61 ERA, a 27.7% strikeout rate, and a 7.42% walk rate in 72 1/3 innings, suggesting that if he can refine his control, he may be able to reach his potential against big league hitters.
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