The Cleveland Guardians have observed significant progress in pitcher Luis Ortiz since trading for him from the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Guardians identified Ortiz's potential not only based on his performance but on his ability to learn the nuances of being a starting pitcher. Following a rocky start to the 2025 season, where his ERA initially sat at 13.50, Ortiz has steadily improved to a 4.30 ERA, showcasing 51 strikeouts over his last eight outings.

Manager Stephen Vogt and pitching coach Carl Willis attribute this development to Ortiz's willingness to be coached and his dedication to improving his routines during off days. This strategic focus is aimed at enhancing his pitch sequencing and recovery, with an emphasis on maximizing his performance on days when he is not pitching. Ortiz's evolution as a starter has been critical as the Guardians remain competitive in the playoff race despite some offensive struggles.