Twins claim pitcher Oliver Ortega, designate Blayne Enlow for assignment

The 23-year-old Enlow was the Twins' third round pick in the 2017 draft.

January 6, 2023 at 9:08PM
Toronto’s Matt Chapman avoided the tag of Angels pitcher Oliver Ortega during a game in May in Anaheim, Calif. (Mark J. Terrill, AP/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

The Twins claimed righthander Oliver Ortega from waivers on Friday, adding a hard-throwing right-handed reliever to their 2023 bullpen.

Ortega, a 26-year-old Dominican, posted a 3.71 ERA in 27 games for the Angels last season, striking out 33 hitters in 34 innings. But he also walked 18 batters, a problem that has slowed his advancement despite a mid-90s fastball and effective curve.

To make roster space for Ortega, the Twins designated righthander Blayne Enlow for assignment. Enlow, a third-round pick in 2017 whom the Twins paid $2 million to keep from enrolling at LSU, reached Class AA for the first time this season, but experienced similar control problems as Ortega.

The 23-year-old starter struck out 64 hitters for Wichita in 57 1/3 innings, but also walked 30.

about the writer

about the writer

Phil Miller

Reporter

Phil Miller has covered the Twins for the Minnesota Star Tribune since 2013. Previously, he covered the University of Minnesota football team, and from 2007-09, he covered the Twins for the Pioneer Press.

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