BRADENTON, Fla. -- A year ago, a major league debut wasn't even on Luis Ortiz's radar. Now, he'll be representing his country in the World Baseball Classic.
With multiple roster spots opening for the Dominican Republic, including the departure of Pirates' left-handed pitcher Jarlín García due to a left arm injury, Ortiz earned the nod Thursday morning.
"I'm super proud, not just to go to the WBC, but to represent my country," Ortiz said through team interpreter Stephen Morales. "I'm just going to give my 100% and do the best I can to help the team."
Heading into the 2022 season, Ortiz was coming off a solid campaign at Class A Bradenton is which he recorded a 3.09 ERA and 1.26 WHIP in 22 appearances (19 starts). He had never logged an inning at a higher class of the minor leagues, and wasn't even invited to big league spring training.
Yet, as Ortiz continued to break through ceilings, he started 2022 in Class AA Altoona, reuniting with manager Kieran Mattison from his days at Bristol in 2019. Ortiz showed a lot of people that he belonged there, and even earned a promotion to Class AAA Indianapolis in September. After only two starts with the Indians, the Pirates called him up to the big leagues to start the nightcap of a doubleheader in Cincinnati. Ortiz answered the call with 5 2/3 shutout innings while averaging 99.0 mph on his fastball.
He's come into Bradenton with his eyes on a spot in the big league rotation this year, but now he'll add another notch on his belt by representing the Domincan Republic. Representing one's country is an honor that just about any professional athlete desires.
With a major league debut and a WBC nod happening just six months apart, it's a lot for Ortiz to process. However, he believes it's all come because of his hard work, which only motivates him even more to keep breaking through ceilings -- just like he did on the road that led to his big league debut last season.
"I’m going to stay humble, work hard," Ortiz said. "I’m grateful for the doors that have been opening for me lately. I’m going to continue to be Luis Ortiz and continue to work ... and continue to add to my toolbox and become a better pitcher every day."
Ortiz is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Thursday at LECOM Park. After that, he'll head to Miami to meet up with his countrymen.
