Ortega signed with the Los Angeles Angels as an international free agent on February 10, 2015.[1][2] He spent the 2015 season with the DSL Angels, going 1–3 with a 4.33 ERA over 43+2⁄3 innings.[3] He spent the 2016 season with the AZL Angels, going 2–3 with a 2.83 ERA over 28+2⁄3 innings.[3] Ortega did not appear in a game in 2017.[3] He spent the 2018 season with the Burlington Bees, going 4–5 with a 3.51 ERA over 82 innings.[3]
Ortega split the 2019 season between the Inland Empire 66ers and the Mobile BayBears, going a combined 4–5 with a 3.34 ERA and 121 strikeouts over 94+1⁄3 innings.[4][1] Ortega was a 2019 California League All-Star.[5] He did not play in a game in 2020 due to the cancellation of the minor league season because of the COVID-19 pandemic.[6]
Ortega received his first promotion to the major leagues when the Angels selected his contract from Triple-A Salt Lake on September 1, 2021. He made his major league debut on September 8, tossing 1 1/3 scoreless innings of relief against the San Diego Padres.[7]
On January 6, 2023, Ortega was claimed off waivers by the Minnesota Twins.[9] On January 10, Ortega was designated for assignment by Minnesota following the acquisition of A. J. Alexy.[10] On January 17, Ortega cleared waivers and was sent outright to the Triple-A St. Paul Saints.[11] In 16 games for the St. Paul, Ortega recorded a 2.42 ERA with 28 strikeouts and 2 saves in 22+1⁄3 innings of work. On June 20, the Twins selected his contract to the major league roster.[12] In 10 games for Minnesota, he logged a 4.30 ERA with 14 strikeouts in 14+2⁄3 innings pitched. On August 24, Ortega was placed on the injured list with a left lumbar strain.[13] He was transferred to the 60–day injured list on August 28, ending his season.[14]
Houston Astros
On October 25, 2023, Ortega was claimed off waivers by the Houston Astros.[15] On March 21, 2024, it was announced that Ortega would miss three to four months after undergoing surgery to remove loose bodies from his elbow.[16] On June 26, Ortega underwent season–ending surgery to remove a bone spur from the same elbow.[17] On November 4, he was removed from the 40–man roster and sent outright to the Triple–A Sugar Land Space Cowboys, but rejected the assignment and elected free agency.[18]
New York Mets
On December 8, 2024, Ortega signed a minor league contract with the New York Mets.[19] He made 13 appearances for the Triple-A Syracuse Mets and Single-A St. Lucie Mets in 2025, accumulating an 0-1 record and 3.07 ERA with 16 strikeouts across 14+2⁄3 innings pitched. Ortega elected free agency following the season on November 6, 2025.[20]
Bravos de León
On February 3, 2026, Ortega signed with the Bravos de León of the Mexican League.[21] In 13 relief appearances, he posted a 2–2 record with a 8.38 ERA, nine strikeouts, and three walks across 9+2⁄3 innings pitched. On May 13, 2026, Ortega was released by León.[22]
