As Pirates surge, Johan Oviedo quietly stepping up as ace

Johan Oviedo Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

With the Pirates surging, Johan Oviedo is quietly stepping up as ace

By Michael Carpenter | Last updated 4/21/23

The Pittsburgh Pirates have been one of the hottest teams in baseball to start the season. With their 13-7 record, the team is tied with the New York Mets for the second-best record in the National League.

One of the biggest reasons for their early succes has been the development of starting pitcher Johan Oviedo. Acquired by the Pirates in the Jose Quintana trade last summer, Oviedo made seven starts for the Pirates down the stretch in 2022, posting a 2-2 record with a 3.23 ERA. He struggled with his control in that space, though, walking 16 in 30 2/3 innings.

Over his first four starts in 2023, Oviedo has looked lights out. That includes a gem hurled against his old organization, as he carved up the Cardinals' lineup on April 14, striking out ten batters while surrendering only one run in seven innings.

A career night for Johan Oviedo. pic.twitter.com/XNjpyQgQRq
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) April 15, 2023

With more confidence in his stuff, Oviedo has attacked hitters this season. That aggressiveness has resulted in a career-high K/9 at 9.25 -- coupled with a career-low BB/9 at 2.96. He possesses a plus fastball and pairs that with one of the best curveballs in baseball. With a sharp slider also a part of his arsenal, opposing batters are having trouble barreling up his pitches.

Johan Oviedo, Vicious Sliders. pic.twitter.com/5d3LmH5kO9
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) April 15, 2023

The Havana, Cuba native has shown steady progress over his first four seasons in the majors. Still only 25 years old, Oviedo has a chance to climb to the top of the Pirates' rotation before the season is over and the stuff to emerge as an unexpected ace in Pittsburgh.

With fellow rotation members Mitch Keller and Roansy Contreras likewise starting out the season in strong fashion and the offense finding production throughout the lineup, these Pirates are not the pushover they have been the past few seasons.

Projected to face the potent Dodgers lineup in his next start, Oviedo has a big opportunity ahead of him as he looks to make a name for himself in 2023.

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