Oliver Ortega

Ortega signed with the Los Angeles Angels as an international free agent on February 10, 2015.[1][2] He spent the 2015 season with the DSL Angels, going 1–3 with a 4.33 ERA over 43+2⁄3 innings.[3] He spent the 2016 season with the AZL Angels, going 2–3 with a 2.83 ERA over 28+2⁄3 innings.[3] Ortega did not appear in a game in 2017.[3] He spent the 2018 season with the Burlington Bees, going 4–5 with a 3.51 ERA over 82 innings.[3] Ortega split the 2019 season between the Inland Empire 66ers and the Mobile BayBears, going a combined 4–5 with a 3.34 ERA and 121 strikeouts over 94+1⁄3 innings.[4][1] Ortega was a 2019 California League All-Star.[5]

Ortega received his first promotion to the major leagues when the Angels selected his contract from Triple-A Salt Lake on September 1, 2021. He made his major league debut on September 8, 2021, tossing 1 1/3 scoreless innings of relief against the San Diego Padres.[6]

On June 26, 2022, Ortega recorded his first major league save, pitching the final two innings of a 2–1 victory over the Seattle Mariners.[7] He was designated for assignment on December 22, following the signing of Brandon Drury.

On January 6, 2023, Ortega was claimed off waivers by the Minnesota Twins.[8] On January 10, Ortega was designated for assignment by Minnesota following the acquisition of A. J. Alexy.[9] On January 17, Ortega cleared waivers and was sent outright to the Triple-A St. Paul Saints.[10] In 16 games for the St. Paul, Ortega recorded a 2.42 ERA with 28 strikeouts and 2 saves in 22+1⁄3 innings of work. On June 20, the Twins selected his contract to the major league roster.[11] In 10 games for Minnesota, he logged a 4.30 ERA with 14 strikeouts in 14+2⁄3 innings pitched. On August 24, Ortega was placed on the injured list with a left lumbar strain.[12] He was transferred to the 60–day injured list on August 28, ending his season.[13]

On October 25, 2023, Ortega was claimed off waivers by the Houston Astros.[14]