Cleveland Guardians pitcher Luis Ortiz has been placed on non-disciplinary paid leave amid an ongoing Major League Baseball (MLB) investigation. The nature of the investigation has not been publicly disclosed, but reports suggest it may be related to a gambling probe.
Ortiz will remain inactive through at least July 17, coinciding with the All-Star break. Here’s what we know about the situation and its potential impact on Ortiz and the Guardians.
Ortiz’s Leave of Absence
On Thursday, MLB announced that Ortiz, a 26-year-old right-handed pitcher for the Cleveland Guardians, would be placed on leave due to an ongoing investigation. The league clarified that Ortiz would not be involved in team activities until at least July 17, the end of the All-Star break.
“Luis Ortiz has been placed on non-disciplinary paid leave through the end of the All-Star break due to an MLB investigation,” MLB said in a statement, adding that further comments would not be made until the investigation is completed.
The Guardians also confirmed Ortiz’s status, noting that the leave was arranged through an agreement with the Players Association.
Connection to Gambling Investigation
While the details of the investigation remain confidential, multiple sources suggest that the inquiry may be connected to sports gambling. The Associated Press reported that Ortiz’s leave is linked to a gambling probe, with ESPN citing information from the sports gambling integrity firm IC360.
According to reports, IC360 noticed unusual betting patterns involving single-pitch wagers in games featuring Ortiz on June 15 and 27.
At this time, no official confirmation has been made regarding the exact nature of the gambling-related investigation. A representative from IC360 could not be reached for comment, and MLB officials have declined to provide additional details.
Ortiz’s Performance This Season
Luis Ortiz, who was born in San Pedro de Macorís, Dominican Republic, has had a challenging season on the mound for the Guardians. He holds a 4-9 record with a 4.36 ERA. While his strikeout rate has been decent, Ortiz has struggled with control, walking 4.3 batters per nine innings, which is higher than his career average of 3.9.
Despite his difficulties on the field, Ortiz has been a consistent starter for the Guardians, and his absence could create a gap in the team’s rotation during the crucial summer stretch.
The Impact on the Guardians
The Guardians have not yet made a public comment on how Ortiz’s absence will impact the team’s pitching staff. With Ortiz removed from the roster, the Guardians will need to make adjustments in their rotation. However, with the timing of the leave coinciding with the All-Star break, the team may not face an immediate gap in their starting rotation.
The ongoing investigation, however, may cast a shadow over Ortiz’s future with the team and in MLB, depending on the outcome of the probe. The Guardians and the league are maintaining a level of confidentiality around the details, respecting the investigation process.
Luis Ortiz’s removal from the Cleveland Guardians’ roster amid an MLB investigation has raised concerns and curiosity. While the specifics of the probe remain undisclosed, reports suggest it may involve gambling-related activities.
The situation leaves questions about Ortiz’s future, both with the Guardians and in the league, while the investigation continues. The Guardians will likely make adjustments to their pitching staff as Ortiz remains inactive, and fans will be awaiting further updates as the probe progresses.
