Fortunato was originally an outfielder, but was converted to pitching when signed as a free agent by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in 1999. He made his major league debut on June 29, 2004 pitching two and one-third innings and allowing four hits and one run while striking out one in a 4-0 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays.

Fortunato was traded to the New York Mets along with Victor Zambrano as part of a controversial deal that sent top Mets prospect Scott Kazmir to Tampa Bay. After pitching well late in 2004, he spent the entire 2005 season on the disabled list with a herniated disc.

Fortunato is single and resides in Santo Domingo.