Guardians Pitcher Luis Ortiz Under MLB Gambling Investigation, On Paid Leave

Major League Baseball is investigating Cleveland Guardians pitcher Luis Ortiz following unusual betting activity linked to two specific pitches he threw in June. A betting-integrity firm flagged large wagers on Ortiz’s first pitches in games against the Seattle Mariners and St. Louis Cardinals, with bets placed in multiple states including Ohio, New York, and New Jersey. Ortiz has been placed on non-disciplinary paid leave through at least the All-Star break while the probe continues, and he was replaced in the rotation by Joey Cantillo. This investigation adds to MLB’s recent history of strict enforcement of gambling rules, highlighted by lifetime bans and suspensions for players and officials involved in betting scandals. The case also reflects a broader issue of gambling-related probes affecting multiple professional sports leagues, including the NBA, NFL, and NHL. MLB has not released further details and will withhold comments until the investigation concludes.