Ortiz Experiencing Hardships of Evolving Young Pitcher

Greg Maddux went 6-14 with a 5.61 earned-run average in his first full season in the big leagues before developing into a four-time Cy Young Award winner.

Randy Johnson went 7-9 with a 4.40 ERA as a rookie and led the league in walks his next three seasons before becoming the game’s dominant left-hander and a Cy Young Award winner. And John Smoltz went 2-7 with a 5.48 ERA in his first major league stint before eventually becoming a Cy Young Award winner.

If Angel pitching prodigy Ramon Ortiz is going to become a Cy Young winner, he’s off to a good start.

The young right-hander was hit hard for the fourth consecutive game Thursday, giving up five runs on six hits in three innings of the Angels’ 7-1 loss to the Kansas City Royals before 11,602 in Kauffman Stadium.

Ortiz, who drew comparisons to star Pedro Martinez after an impressive major league debut against Chicago (one run, four hits, eight innings) and an excellent second start against Toronto (two runs, six hits, seven innings), has given up 21 runs on 22 hits in 17 1/3 innings in four starts since.

“He’s going through some growing pains, but he’ll be OK,” Angel pitching coach Dick Pole said. “You come up and you’re supposed to blow the league away, and people expect shutout after shutout, but that’s not the case. You find out these guys are the best hitters in the world.”

A disturbing trend can be found in Ortiz’s games, however. In his last four starts, he has been roughed up for three runs or more in either the first or second inning, putting the Angels in holes they couldn’t climb out of. Carlos Beltran’s two-run homer in the first Thursday led to the demise of Ortiz (1-3) and the Angels, whose five-game winning streak ended.

Interim Manager Joe Maddon said, “Part of what you’re seeing is, this guy has had a long year, pitching in instructional league, winter ball, spring training and the minor leagues, and he’s thrown a lot of innings.

“It might be a combination of physical and mental fatigue. It’s not a situation for concern right now. We just have to deal with it. This is a jewel, and he’s just experienced some tough times the last four games.”

Ortiz, who walked four and struck out four, admitted he’s a little tired but said his arm feels fine.

“There’s no excuse,” he said. “When you fall behind hitters at this level and have to throw fastballs, you’re going to get hit. I’ve had a rough couple of starts. I’m going to bounce back.”

It was also a rough day for Ortiz’s friend and batterymate, catcher Bengie Molina, who pulled his left hamstring running to first on what appeared to be a sure double in the fifth inning. The Angel rookie, who has been impressive since his recall Aug. 4, is probably out for the rest of the season.