Rangers lose another pitcher

May 24, 2013; Seattle, WA, USA; Texas Rangers relief pitcher Joe Ortiz (58) pitches to the Seattle Mariners during the 9th inning at Safeco Field. Texas defeated Seattle 9-5. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

This week the Texas Rangers left-handed reliever Joseph Ortiz injured his left this week.  The injury was reportedly caused when he was walking in his native country Venezuela and a motorcycle ran over his foot.

He had surgery this past Friday to repair the fractured navicular bone, but it is expecteed that he will need 3 months to recovery.

This doesn’t help a club that is already missing Derek Holland out of the starting rotation.

It was expected that Ortiz would again be a key lefty in the bullpen.

It will now be up to Robbie Ross to bounce back and to be the lefty specialist out of the bullpen.  When Joseph Ortiz is ready to return, it appears he’ll likely get time at Round Rock to prepare for his Major League comeback.

Last season, Joseph Ortiz had a record of 2-2 with an ERA of 4.32 and an opposing batting average of .257.  He recorded 27 strikeouts and allowed 10 walks over 44.2 innings.