Guardians’ Luis Ortiz on MLB Paid Leave During Gambling Investigation

Major League Baseball has placed Cleveland Guardians pitcher Luis Ortiz on paid, non-disciplinary leave as it investigates suspicious gambling activity linked to two specific pitches he threw during games on June 15 and June 27. The gambling integrity firm IC360 flagged unusual betting activity involving microbets on Ortiz's first pitch of certain innings, which were errant sliders outside the strike zone, prompting sportsbooks and MLB to launch the investigation. Ortiz, who was removed from his scheduled start on July 3 against the Chicago Cubs, is currently barred from Guardians facilities but can maintain contact with the team. Guardians' president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti emphasized the team's cooperation with MLB while awaiting further details from the ongoing inquiry. Ortiz is in his first season with Cleveland after a trade and has struggled in 2025, holding a 4.36 ERA with nine losses, tied for the most in the American League. The investigation and Ortiz's leave are set through the All-Star break but may be extended based on the case's progress.