Diamondbacks demote pitcher Russ Ortiz

PHOENIX, June 13 (UPI) -- The Arizona Diamondbacks gave up on pitcher Russ Ortiz on Tuesday, designating the right-hander for assignment.

Ortiz signed a four-year, $33 million-dollar contract last season with the Diamondbacks, but has gone 5-11 with a 6.89 ERA.

Ortiz, 32, is 0-5 with a 7.54 ERA in six starts.

To take his spot on the roster, Arizona purchased the contract of left-handed pitcher Randy Choate from Triple-A Tucson. Choate has pitched in 164 career major league games, compiling a 5-6 record with a 4.71 ERA.