Houston Astros relief pitcher Oliver Ortega (elbow) underwent surgery to remove loose bodies in his right elbow on Thursday and is expected to be shut down for three to four months, according to the team. Ortega will miss most of the 2024 campaign now. The 27-year-old Dominican hurler made 10 relief appearances for the Minnesota Twins in 2023, allowing seven earned runs on 11 hits (two homers) while walking seven and striking out 14 in 14 2/3 innings. In his first two major-league seasons with the Los Angeles Angeles, Ortega had a 3.95 ERA (4.74 FIP), a 1.48 WHIP, one save, 20 walks and 37 strikeouts in 35 relief outings over 43 1/3 frames. He will open the 2024 season with Houston on the 60-day injured list.

The Minnesota Twins claimed right-hander Oliver Ortega off waivers on Friday from the Los Angeles Angels and designated Blayne Enlow for assignment in a corresponding move. Ortega made 27 relief appearances for the Halos in 2022 in just his second major-league season and posted a 3.71 ERA (4.76 FIP), a 1.47 WHIP, one save, 33 strikeouts and 18 walks in 34 innings pitched. He made just eight relief appearances in his MLB debut in 2021 and allowed five earned runs on 12 hits while walking two and striking out four in 9 1/3 frames. The 26-year-old will serve as organizational relief depth for the Twins in 2023.

Los Angeles Angels right-handed pitcher Oliver Ortega was added to the team's roster ahead of Saturday's doubleheader against the Seattle Mariners. The 25-year-old righty will serve as the Angels' 27th man and work out of the bullpen if he makes an appearance. He owns a 3.82 ERA, 1.52 WHIP, and 31:18 K/BB ratio over 33 innings (26 appearances) to go along with one save and five holds on the season.