Oliver

Ortega

Ortega underwent elbow surgery back in late March to remove loose bodies in his right elbow and underwent an additional procedure earlier this week that will end his season. The 27-year-old righty was claimed off waivers last October from the Twins and has yet to pitch for the Astros.

Ortega is expected to miss 3-4 months after undergoing right elbow surgery last month. The procedural move opens up a spot on Houston’s 40-man roster.

The 27-year-old is expected to miss three to four months after he underwent right elbow surgery. He’s shut down from any baseball activities until at least late June, but it’s still up in the air if he’ll be ready to go by that date.

Ortega underwent a procedure to remove loose bodies from his right elbow and will be shut down from throwing until at least late June, if not longer. There’s a chance he’s ready to contribute at some point in the second half of the season. The 27-year-old righty was claimed off waivers from the Twins last October.

The 27-year-old Ortega had a 4.30 ERA in 14 2/3 innings for the Twins before missing the final five weeks with a strained back. The Astros have Hector Neris (player option unlikely to be exercised), Phil Maton and Ryne Stanek all eligible for free agency this winter, so it’s not surprising they’re on the hunt for relief depth.

The 26-year-old hurler landed on the injured list last week with a left lumbar strain, and now he’ll be shut down for the remainder of the season. He wound up posting a 4.30 ERA over 14 2/3 innings with the big league club this season.

The former top prospect has made the transition to the bullpen this year, posting a 4.44 ERA and 1.56 WHIP over 18 appearances for the Twins. He also posted a 4.79 ERA across 35 2/3 innings in Triple-A; although, that also came with a 31.1 percent strikeout rate that has not carried over to the majors yet. He will get another crack at holding down a bullpen job with Oliver Ortega placed on the IL.

The 26-year-old had a 4.30 ERA in 14 2/3 innings with the Twins. He posted an impressive 1.82 ERA with 44 strikeouts in 34 2/3 Triple-A innings. Jordan Balazovic will take his spot in the Minnesota bullpen.

Ortega returns to the majors as the Twins wished to add a well-rested reliever to their bullpen. The 26-year-old posted a 4.50 ERA and 1.07 WHIP across nine appearances earlier this year for the Twins.

Ortega had pitched well since his recall last month, giving up two runs in 12 innings, before allowing three runs in an inning to take the loss in the ninth last night. That poor showing, combined with the Twins’ desire for a fresh arm, is getting him the boot today.