Anthony

Ortega

Ortega, 26, posted an ugly 8.23 ERA and 28/15 K/BB ratio over three starts and 17 relief appearances this season with Triple-A Salt Lake. Arm problems have derailed his career since he made three starts for the Angels in 2009 as a 23-year-old.

Ortega was released by the Angels in 2011 and missed all last season due to injury. The 27-year-old is strictly organizational depth.

Ortega hasn’t appeared in the majors since 2009, when he posted a 9.24 ERA in 12 2/3 innings with the Angels. The 27-year-old will act as organizational relief depth.

Angels manager Mike Scioscia hasn’t made it official, but Ortega seems to be the choice among L.A.-based reporters. He’s been rocked in two consecutive starts at Triple-A Salt Lake, so fantasy owners should steer clear.

Ortega will make his major league debut when he faces Seattle tonight.

Ortega very likely would have had a spot in the injury-stricken Angels rotation if healthy, but he’s been limited to one inning by arm problems this spring.

The only reason that Ortega didn’t get a chance to contend for a rotation spot in spring training is that he was held back by a tired arm. He’s probably not going to be ready when the Angels need a fifth starter next Saturday, but he could be an option at the back of the rotation before the John Lackey or another injured pitcher returns.

Ortega allowed 19 hits and 13 earned runs in 12 2/3 innings before the Angels finally gave up on him. He’s no longer needed now that John Lackey and Ervin Santana are healthy enough for the starting rotation

Considering the low expectations, this was a pretty decent performance against a very good offense. Ortega managed to suppress New York’s big bats and he gave his team a chance to win.

Ortega has struggled in back-to-back outings since a solid season debut, so it doesn’t look like he’ll be replacing Dustin Moseley in the Angels’ rotation. Former A’s prospect Brad Knox might be next in line.