Guardians pitcher on leave amid MLB betting probe
Luis Ortiz, a pitcher for the Guardians, has been put on "non-disciplinary paid leave" until the end of the All-Star break due to an MLB investigation. The probe, reportedly linked to gambling, is examining two suspicious pitches made by Ortiz this season that attracted unusual betting activity, as per sources cited by The Athletic and ESPN. A betting-integrity firm flagged the pitches, which were then reported to sportsbook operators.
The first questionable pitch occurred in a June 15 game against the Seattle Mariners during the second inning. Betting action on whether the pitch would be a ball or a hit-by-pitch was deemed unusual by the firm. Ortiz threw a slider far outside the strike zone, resulting in a walk and a five-run inning. The second incident took place on June 27 against the St. Louis Cardinals in the third inning. Once again, there was suspicious betting activity on the pitch, and Ortiz threw a slider well out of the strike zone, leading to a home run and a three-run inning.
Ortiz's leave was announced by the league on the day he was set to start against the Cubs at Wrigley Field. MLB stated it would refrain from further comments until the investigation concludes. The Guardians confirmed the leave and mentioned the promotion of Joey Cantillo from Triple-A Columbus to start in Ortiz's place. The team respected the league's investigative process and refrained from additional comments.
Baseball has faced several gambling-related issues since the legalization of state-authorized sports betting in 2018. Notably, Shohei Ohtani's interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, was involved in a betting scandal, leading to a prison sentence. In 2024, MLB banned San Diego Padres infielder Tucupita Marcano for life due to betting on his team. Additionally, four players received one-year suspensions for betting on baseball. Umpire Pat Hoberg was dismissed for sharing sports betting accounts with a friend who bet on baseball games.
Earlier this year, Commissioner Rob Manfred reinstated Pete Rose and other deceased players from baseball's permanently ineligible list. This decision followed discussions with President Donald Trump and allowed players like Rose to be considered for the Hall of Fame. The investigation involving Ortiz coincided with news of a federal investigation into NBA guard Malik Beasley related to gambling activities.
Ortiz, in his fourth year in MLB and first season with Cleveland, was acquired by the Guardians in a trade last offseason. He had a successful season with the Pirates in 2024 and is contracted with the team until 2029. Despite Ortiz's performance, Cleveland's rotation has improved in recent months, but the team is struggling overall, losing six consecutive games and falling below .500, trailing the Tigers by 12.5 games in the AL Central.
Ortiz, who joined the Pirates in 2018 at 19 years old, played 59 games for the team from 2022 to 2024. While on leave, he will not be included in the Guardians' rosters.