Kaleb

Ort

The 33-year-old hurler was designated for assignment last week when the Astros had to clear a spot on their 40-man roster for the addition of Tatsuya Imai. The Yankees had a spot available on their 40-man roster, so a corresponding move was not required. Ort posted a 4.89 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and a 49/27 K/BB ratio across 46 innings out of the Astros’ bullpen in 2025. He’ll give the Yankees another option to work in middle relief.

Ort impressed for a time in 2024, but he opened 2025 on the shelf with a strained oblique and finished in there with elbow inflammation. In between, he had a 4.89 ERA and a 49/27 K/BB in 46 innings. There’s the chance he’ll bounce back and be an interesting sixth- or seventh-inning option, but that he’s 33 and out of options has the Astros moving on. Since he does make the minimum, we’d expect some team to pick him up off waivers.

Nothing has changed in the prognosis for Ort, who is sidelined due to inflammation in his pitching elbow. He wasn’t going to make it back before the end of the season though, so the Astros used this as a procedural move to free up a spot on their 40-man roster for the return of Isaac Paredes (hamstring) on Friday.

No word yet on the severity of the issue and how long the Astros expect the 33-year-old hurler to be sidelined for. It’s another blow to an Astros’ bullpen that is already missing closer Josh Hader. Colton Gordon was recalled from Triple-A Sugar Land in a corresponding move on Friday.

While Bryan Abreu is still first in line for saves with Josh Hader out, it was Ort who was called on for his first save against the Angels on Friday. The 33-year-old right-hander got four outs to get this save, which was only the second of his career. Fantasy managers don’t need to go pick up Ort unless this becomes more of a regular occurrence.

Ort rejoins Houston’s bullpen after missing the opening month of the regular season with a left oblique strain. The 33-year-old righty will be available for Sunday’s series finale against the Royals.

Ort gave up a solo homer and another hit before being lifted. He’s set for a few more rehab appearances as he makes his way back from an oblique strain.

Ort has already resumed throwing and appears to be on track for a possible return to the Astros’ bullpen before the end of April. Once he’s ready, he’ll get at least a couple of tune-ups on a minor league rehab assignment before he’s thrown into the fire in the majors.

Neither has officially been placed on the injured list yet, because teams typically wait until they absolutely have to before doing so. Ort and Whitley both have a chance to return in April and work in the mid-to-late innings for the Houston bullpen.

Ort is “progressing nicely” according to manager Joe Espada. The 33-year-old is a question mark for Opening Day, but if the progress continues, he should be back early in April if he isn’t quite ready.