Kaleb Ort makes 2022 debut and sets the tone for the bullpen in the win over the Yankees Sunday night
Former Yankees minor leaguer Kaleb Ort made his 2022 debut for the Red Sox this past weekend. On Sunday night, Ort was called into the game and pitched very well against his former organization.
Ort who has been the WooSox closer the last two seasons came in relief for Nick Pivetta. With two runners on and Aaron Judge and Anthony Rizzo due up, he proved his worth but getting both players out to retire the side.
He would come back out to work the 5th inning. After working around a throwing error from Christian Vazquez, Ort would induce an inning ending double-play.
“I’m excited to be here,” Ort said after the game to the media. “It was fun. I was just trying to do my job and give the boys a chance.”
Ort’s performance on the mound against the Yankees set the tone for the rest of the bullpen who only surrender three hits the rest of the game. The bullpen was responsible for 5 2/3 innings of scoreless work against the league’s best lineup.
“Ort getting out of the fourth inning and getting us five outs was a nice outing,” manager Alex Cora said.
The Red Sox acquired Ort through the Rule 5 draft prior to last season.
The 30-year-old is earning an opportunity with the major league club after the Sox designed Hansel Robles for assignment. Robles has since been released by the Red Sox.
Time will tell if Ort sticks around longer with the Red Sox bullpen. However, his performance Sunday night was appreciated by his teammates and manager.
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I hope Ort's "cloudy" fashion sense includes a Kuiper Belt.