Southpaw Ortiz showing right stuff this spring

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Left-handed reliever Joe Ortiz continues to be an early bright spot for the Rangers. He retired three straight hitters in the sixth inning on Thursday in the Rangers' 11-11 tie with the Dodgers at Camelback Ranch.

All three were on grounders, and all three were against right-handed hitters. Ortiz held left-handed hitters to a .196 batting average at Triple-A Round Rock last season while right-handers hit .254. He has to show he can get right-handed hitters out with his sinker and changeup. He has a tough slider that can lock up left-handed hitters.

"I know that's what they want to see from me, getting right-handed hitters," Ortiz said. "I got them out at Round Rock, and I can do it here. I feel I can make this team. I like what I have been able to do at this point. I just have to continue doing the job."

Ortiz has not allowed a run in five innings of work. He has allowed two hits and not walked a batter while striking out five.

"All I know is I'm seeing good results," manager Ron Washington said. "He has been getting everybody out -- left, right, he has been getting outs."