The Houston Astros have made their first move of the offseason.
After speculation about what the front office would do with their bullpen following a disappointing year that saw them regress, general manager Dana Brown waisted no time in being active.
According to Chandler Rome of The Athletic, the Astros have claimed right handed pitcher Oliver Ortega off of waivers from the Minnesota Twins.
The 27-year-old originally signed with the Los Angeles Angels as an international free agent in 2015.
He made his Major League debut in 2021, appearing in eight games for the Angels and recording a 4.82 ERA.
Ortega was used much more heavily in 2022. He pitched in 27 games, finishing with an ERA of 3.71.
Following the year, Los Angeles designated him for assignment, allowing the Twins to claim him off of waivers.
He had an up and down season in Minnesota, transitioning from the minor league level to their Major League roster multiple times.
Ortega was placed on the 60-day injured list Aug. 28 with a left lumbar strain, which ended his season after appearing in 10 games.
With two of Houston's relievers set to hit free agency during the offseason, claiming a young bullpen arm off of waivers allows them to acquire depth for a cheap price.
Once he's activated from the injured list, he'll likely have an opportunity to compete for a spot in the bullpen during the offseason.
Whether he'll actually secure a spot on the Opening Day roster is way too early to tell, but it gives the Astros more options in their own farm system if they decide to keep him in the organization.
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