WooSox closer Kaleb Ort was promoted to the Red Sox on Saturday as Hansel Robles, who was designated for assignment earlier in the week, was released.
Ort has been one of Worcester’s best relievers over the last two seasons, racking up 34 saves between 2021 and 2022 for the WooSox. This season he’s posted a 3.12 ERA in 33 games and is 15-for-17 in save situations.
“You can’t put it into words,” WooSox manager Chad Tracy said of what Ort meant to the WooSox. “Obviously he’s closing for a reason, but he’s been the most reliable guy down there for us all year. It’s been quite a while now since anybody scored on him.”
Indeed, Ort is in the midst of a scoreless streak dating back to June 16. He’s strung together 10 straight scoreless appearances, allowing just three hits over that 9 1/3 innings and striking out 14.
“Having him down there in games where we get late and close and we’re winning the game and you know that you’ve got that guy to pitch the ninth inning,” Tracy said. “It’s been our safety blanket, knowing that he’s there and that we feel like most of the time he’s gonna get the job done.”
Ort, who came over to the WooSox prior to the 2021 season after being selected from the Yankees in the minor-league portion of the Rule 5 draft, could make his 2022 debut against his former organization. The 30-year-old made his major-league debut last season for the Red Sox during the stretch in September when multiple players hit the COVID IL. He only got a small taste of pitching in the majors, throwing a third of an inning and giving up a hit and a walk against the Mariners on September 13.
The righty was one of the few remaining options left in the bullpen on Saturday night as the Red Sox went to extra innings with the Yankees, so it’s very possible he could see action in the series finale on Sunday.
“He’s been incredible,” Tracy said. They have a need and he deserves the opportunity. Like I always say, I hope he’s there to stay. But certainly him not being here, we’ll miss him for sure, because he has been huge for us all year.”
Full article can be found at: https://www.masslive.com/worcesterredsox/2022/07/woosox-notebook-kaleb-ort-woosox-closer-and-safety-blanket-rides-10-game-scoreless-streak-to-a-promotion.html