The Cleveland Guardians woke up with some sour news.
Pitcher Luis Ortiz is being investigated by Major League Baseball.
The reasons aren’t clear at the moment, but more information is expected to surface eventually.
MLB insider Jeff Passan explained the situation on X.
“Cleveland Guardians right-hander Luis Ortiz is under investigation by Major League Baseball and has been placed on paid leave, according to a statement by the league. MLB did not release specifics of the investigation,” Passan wrote.
Cleveland Guardians right-hander Luis Ortiz is under investigation by Major League Baseball and has been placed on paid leave, according to a statement by the league. MLB did not release specifics of the investigation.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 3, 2025
The Guardians also released a statement on X.
It said they were not allowed to comment further at this time and confirmed Ortiz is currently the subject of an ongoing investigation.
— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) July 3, 2025
Tim Stebbins of MLB.com said Ortiz has been placed on “non-disciplinary paid leave” through the All-Star break.
Luis Ortiz has been placed on "non-disciplinary paid leave" through the All-Star break due to an MLB investigation.
Joey Cantillo is expected to start Thursday in Chicago in place of Ortiz.
— Tim Stebbins (@tim_stebbins) July 3, 2025
Ortiz was supposed to start for the Guardians on Thursday, but Joey Cantillo will get the assignment against the Chicago Cubs instead.
There is not much information available regarding Ortiz’s availability beyond the fact that he will be out of action through the All-Star break.
He had been inconsistent in his first year with the Guardians, but the raw talent is hard to deny.
In 88.2 innings, he put up a 4.36 ERA, but with a much better 4.14 FIP.
He has walked 42 batters and struck out 96.
His record is 4-9, and his WHIP is 1.38.
Ortiz landed in Cleveland this past offseason in a trade that saw the Guardians send infielder Spencer Horwitz to the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Losing Ortiz is a tough blow for the Guardians’ rotation as they enter a crucial stage of the season.
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