Cleveland Guardians right-hander Luis Ortiz has been on non-disciplinary paid leave since July 3, as MLB investigates two individual pitches that could be tied to gambling activity.
A betting-integrity firm flagged him for pitches he made in different games in June, which were way off the strike zone.
Betting activity suggests the pitches could be related to prop bets, which give bettors the chance to wager on small things within a game, such as the first pitch of an inning being a ball.
Long story short, MLB is trying to determine if Ortiz could have thrown those two balls well outside the strike zone on purpose.
Friday was supposed to be when the Guardians and Ortiz were made aware of any suspension as a result of the investigation.
Instead, MLB will continue to look into the matter.
“Cleveland Guardians right-hander Luis Ortiz’s non-disciplinary paid leave has been extended through Aug. 31 as Major League Baseball continues to investigate unusual gambling activity related to a pair of pitches he threw earlier this season, the league announced,” Jeff Passan of ESPN wrote on X.
Cleveland Guardians right-hander Luis Ortiz’s non-disciplinary paid leave has been extended through Aug. 31 as Major League Baseball continues to investigate unusual gambling activity related to a pair of pitches he threw earlier this season, the league announced.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 18, 2025
If found guilty, Ortiz could face severe penalties, including fines and a lengthy suspension.
MLB has applied substantial disciplinary measures to players involved in any kind of gambling activity and could make an example out of Ortiz.
The investigation may be becoming complicated, indicated by his leave being extended for an additional month and a half.
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