Guardians pitcher Luis Ortiz placed on leave amid MLB gambling investigation

Cleveland Guardians pitcher Luis Ortiz has been placed on non-disciplinary paid leave through the All-Star break as Major League Baseball (MLB) investigates alleged gambling-related activities, multiple sources confirmed Thursday. The move came just hours before Ortiz was scheduled to start against the Chicago Cubs, with left-hander Joey Cantillo called up from Triple-A Columbus to fill in.

The investigation was sparked when a betting-integrity firm flagged two of Ortiz’s pitches from June games for unusual betting activity. The first incident occurred on June 15, when Ortiz’s first pitch of the second inning to Randy Arozarena was notably off target. The second flagged pitch came on June 27 in the top of the third inning, again marked by a significant miss. Both instances reportedly drew suspicious betting action on whether Ortiz’s first pitch would be a ball or hit batsman.

MLB’s response

MLB announced Ortiz’s leave as “non-disciplinary” and stated it would last through the end of the All-Star break, with the possibility of extension if the investigation is not concluded by then. The league and the Guardians have both declined to comment further, citing the confidentiality of the ongoing process.
This case comes amid heightened scrutiny of gambling within professional baseball. In 2024, MLB handed a lifetime ban to San Diego Padres infielder Tucupita Marcano for betting on his own team, while four other players received year-long suspensions for wagering on baseball games in which they did not participate. Earlier this year, MLB umpire Pat Hoberg was dismissed after it was discovered he shared sports betting accounts with a friend who placed bets on baseball games.


MLB rules strictly prohibit players from betting on baseball or softball at any level, though they are permitted to gamble on other sports.

Ortiz’s season and the Guardians’ struggles

Ortiz, 26, is in his first season with Cleveland after being acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates last November. He has started 16 games for the Guardians, posting a 4-9 record with a 4.36 ERA, 96 strikeouts, and 42 walks over 88 2/3 innings. His nine losses are tied for the most in the American League. In his MLB career, Ortiz is 16-22 with a 4.05 ERA.

The Guardians currently sit at 40-44, 14 games out in the AL Central but only four games behind the third AL wild-card spot. The team is also enduring a six-game losing streak as they head into Thursday’s matchup.

Ortiz’s leave is set to last through July 17, when players return from the All-Star break.Depending on the outcome of the investigation, Ortiz could face penalties ranging from suspension to a potential lifetime ban, depending on the severity of any rule violations.