Cleveland Guardians pitcher Luis Ortiz finds himself at the center of an MLB investigation that could shake the foundation of baseball’s integrity.
The 26-year-old right-hander was placed on paid leave Thursday, just hours before his scheduled start against the Chicago Cubs. The league is examining suspicious betting patterns on two specific pitches Ortiz threw in June, raising uncomfortable questions about gambling’s reach into America’s pastime.
Cleveland Guardians Pitcher Under MLB Investigation for Suspicious Betting Activity
The investigation centers on two pitches flagged by betting-integrity firm IC360, which alerted sportsbooks in June to unusual wagering patterns. The first incident occurred on June 15 against the Seattle Mariners, when bets poured in on Ortiz’s first pitch in the bottom of the second inning being a ball or hitting a batter.
Ortiz spiked a slider into the dirt, well outside the strike zone. The second instance came on June 27 against the St. Louis Cardinals, with similar bets placed on a first-pitch ball or a hit-by-pitch in the top of the third. Again, Ortiz threw a wild slider that went past the catcher. While such errant pitches aren’t uncommon, the betting activity from Ohio, New York, and New Jersey triggered authorities.
MLB’s investigation into Luis Ortiz is about these two individual pitches which received action flagged by a betting-integrity firm, per @JeffPassan pic.twitter.com/2zvZhmrTlJ
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) July 3, 2025
MLB has not yet shared full details of this case, only saying that Ortiz’s leave, negotiated with the Players Association, will extend through the All-Star break ending July 17, 2025. The Guardians obliged the league’s restraint and announced: “The Guardians are not permitted to comment further at this time and will respect the league’s confidential investigative process.”
In a typical MLB season, more than 700,000 pitches are thrown. Two from Luis Ortiz had unusual gambling action on them, prompting an alert sent out and an investigation by Major League Baseball. From our story (https://t.co/Ib6FwBm5MH), here are the details on the pitches. pic.twitter.com/EBniWKT8gw
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 3, 2025
The investigation highlights baseball’s ongoing battle with gambling integrity. Since the Supreme Court struck down the federal ban on sports betting in 2018, leagues have scrambled to protect their games while embracing the revenue from gambling partnerships. This delicate balance becomes precarious when players face suspicion of involvement.
Sports broadcaster Jeff Passan shared an update on his official X account, noting that among more than 700,000 pitches thrown in each MLB season, only two from Ortiz raised red flags.
Rising Star’s Career Now Under Scrutiny
Ortiz, acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates in a multi-player trade, has become a regular starter for Cleveland. His $782,600 salary for 2025 reflects his status as a developing talent still establishing himself in the majors. In 16 starts this season, he’s posted a 4-9 record with a 4.36 ERA, striking out 96 batters over 88.2 innings.
The right-hander’s path to the majors wasn’t typical. Ortiz signed with the Pirates in 2018 at 19 years old, later than most prospects begin their professional careers. He didn’t reach full-season ball until 2021, but his talent accelerated his rise through Pittsburgh’s system. After debuting in 2022, Ortiz showed enough promise for Cleveland to target him in their offseason trade.
His inconsistent 2025 campaign takes on new meaning under this cloud of suspicion. While a 4.36 ERA suggests struggles, it’s within the range of many middle-rotation starters. The investigation will examine whether any poor performances correlate with unusual betting patterns beyond the two flagged pitches.
Investigation Timing Compounds Cleveland’s Struggles
The timing of this case couldn’t be worse for the Guardians. They are going through a rough patch with a seven-game losing streak as of July 4, 2025, and sit at 40-45, trailing the AL Central-leading Detroit Tigers by 12.5 games. Cleveland is also 4.0 games back of the third American League Wild Card spot.
Ortiz’s absence will force the team to make adjustments. Left-hander Joey Cantillo, recalled from Triple-A Columbus, will step in for Thursday’s start at Wrigley Field. The Guardians’ rotation will be facing severe strain without Ortiz.
Beyond the immediate roster challenges, the investigation casts a shadow over Cleveland’s clubhouse. Players must now wonder about their teammates’ integrity while trying to salvage a disappointing season. Manager Stephen Vogt faces questions he cannot answer due to the ongoing investigation, adding another layer of difficulty to his first season leading the team.
The broader implications extend throughout baseball. If the investigation finds wrongdoing, it would mark another significant gambling scandal for a sport still haunted by the 1919 Black Sox and Pete Rose controversies. Even if Ortiz is cleared, the mere existence of this investigation reinforces concerns about sports betting’s influence on professional athletics.