Jose Ortega sent down to Toledo

Jose Ortega is being returned to Toledo to make room for Jose Alvarez. Alvarez is being promoted to fill in for a resting Anibal Sanchez. Alvarez and Ortega are both 24 year old 5' 11" Venezuelans named Jose. Alvarez is the lefty, Ortega the righty.

Jose Ortega has pitched in 11 2/3 innings over 11 games this season. His 0 wins 2 loss record demonstrates that Jim Leyland has not been afraid to use him in important situations. Ortega has pitched decently with a 3.86 ERA, 1.37 WHIP, and 7.7 strikeouts per nine innings. The walk rate of 4.6 per 9 innings needs improvement, and is consistent with his minor league performance.

Ortega last appeared six days ago in a 4-2 loss to Baltimore. He had pitched regularly before that, averaging an outing every three days in May. The strong starting pitching has reduced the need to use relievers lately. In the last six games the relievers have averaged just under two innings per game, so they should be rested. Which is good, because they will be a man short. Anibal Sanchez has not been sent to the disabled list and will continue to take a roster spot.

Should a starter have a rough outing, as must eventually happen, another move will be in order to add a rested arm to the bullpen.