Luis Ortiz placed on leave due to MLB gambling investigation
- Luis Ortiz was placed on non-disciplinary paid leave by MLB due to an ongoing gambling investigation.
- He was scheduled to pitch against the Chicago Cubs on the same day he was placed on leave.
- The Guardians may face challenges as Ortiz's contributions were significant to the team and his absence impacts the roster.
Cleveland, United States - On July 3, 2025, Cleveland Guardians pitcher Luis Ortiz was placed on non-disciplinary paid leave as Major League Baseball (MLB) initiated an investigation into gambling allegations surrounding him. This decision came just hours before his scheduled start against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field, where he was expected to pitch for the Guardians. The investigation was not immediately explained, and Ortiz's leave will extend through the All-Star break, which ends on July 18, creating a notable shift in the team's roster planning for the coming games. Luis Ortiz, a 26-year-old right-handed pitcher, is in his first season with the Guardians, having joined the team last December in a trade deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Throughout his 16 starts this season, Ortiz has recorded four wins and nine losses, contributing to a 4.36 ERA and 96 strikeouts. His nine losses are tied for the most in the American League, indicating both his struggles on the mound and possibly the pressure of the ongoing investigation. He last pitched on June 30, 2025, against the St. Louis Cardinals, where his performance reflected the mounting challenges he faced this season. The Guardians organization confirmed the announcement of Ortiz's leave, stating they were not permitted to provide further comments due to the ongoing investigative process. MLB emphasized the confidential nature of the probe, which is particularly crucial given the league's heightened awareness regarding gambling in recent years, following a series of gambling-related suspensions within the sport. This investigation serves as a reminder of the complexities and ethical scrutiny surrounding gambling in professional sports, particularly after several high-profile cases involving other players and league officials, highlighting a significant issue the MLB continues to navigate. As the Guardians aim to improve their team performance, which currently sees them on a six-game losing streak, left-handed pitcher Joey Cantillo has been called up from Triple-A to fill in Ortiz's spot. This situation places additional pressure on the Guardians, who are currently 12.5 games behind the division-leading Detroit Tigers in the American League Central. Ortiz's future with the team could be significantly affected depending on the outcome of the investigation, leaving both fans and teammates awaiting further developments as the situation unfolds during this crucial part of the season.