Russ Ortiz, a right-handed pitcher, made his Major League Baseball debut with the San Francisco Giants. Drafted by the Giants in the fourth round of the 1995 MLB Draft, Ortiz quickly ascended through the minor league ranks, showcasing his potential as a starting pitcher. His major league debut came on April 2, 1998, and he soon became a regular fixture in the Giants' rotation.
Ortiz's tenure with the Giants was marked by consistent performances, and he played a crucial role in the team's success during the early 2000s. In 2002, Ortiz was instrumental in helping the Giants reach the World Series. During that season, he posted a 14-10 record with a 3.61 ERA, and his efforts in the postseason were vital as the Giants advanced through the playoffs. Although the Giants ultimately fell to the Anaheim Angels in the World Series, Ortiz's performance in Game 6, where he pitched 6 1/3 innings and left with a lead, was a highlight of his career.
Following the 2002 season, Ortiz was traded to the Atlanta Braves. His time with the Braves was marked by one of his best seasons in 2003, when he achieved a career-high 21 wins, leading the National League in victories. This performance earned him an All-Star selection, the only one of his career. Ortiz's ability to consistently deliver quality starts made him a valuable asset to the Braves' rotation.
After two seasons with the Braves, Ortiz signed a lucrative contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2005. However, his stint with the Diamondbacks was challenging, as he struggled to find the same level of success he had experienced with his previous teams. His ERA ballooned, and after two seasons, the Diamondbacks released him in 2006.
Ortiz's career continued with brief periods at several other teams. He signed with the Baltimore Orioles in 2007 but was released after a short stint. He then returned to the Giants in 2007, though his time there was also brief. In 2008, Ortiz took a hiatus from professional baseball, but he made a comeback attempt in 2009 with the Houston Astros. During his time with the Astros, Ortiz showed flashes of his former self, but he was released mid-season.
Later in 2009, Ortiz signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he finished the season. His final appearance in the major leagues came in 2010 with the New York Yankees during spring training, but he did not make the regular-season roster.
Throughout his career, Ortiz was known for his competitive spirit and ability to pitch deep into games.
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