Major League Baseball is investigating Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Luis Ortiz over potential gambling violations, following a probe initiated by a betting integrity firm. Ortiz was placed on non-disciplinary paid leave before his scheduled start against the Chicago Cubs, indicating the gravity of the situation. The investigation centers on two specific pitches from Ortiz’s June starts, which were flagged by IC360, a betting integrity firm that reported unusual betting action on these throws.
The first incident occurred on June 15 during an outing against the Seattle Mariners. Ortiz spiked a slider into the ground far from the strike zone in the bottom of the second inning, causing sportsbooks to flag the pitch due to its potential impact on bet outcomes. Similarly, on June 27, another unusual pitch was thrown by Ortiz during a start against the St. Louis Cardinals. This pitch, also thrown in the top of the third inning, was flagged for its effect on betting patterns, with the same betting firm reporting the action.
MLB has not officially disclosed the nature of its investigation, but it is understood to relate to potential violations of betting integrity rules. The league’s decision to place Ortiz on paid leave before his scheduled start against the Cubs underscores the seriousness of the probe. The bets associated with these pitches came from Ohio, New York, and New Jersey, according to ESPN reports, suggesting the potential for widespread betting impacts.
The Cleveland Guardians, through a statement, confirmed that they have been notified by MLB about Ortiz’s placement on leave due to the ongoing investigation. The organization expressed its adherence to the league’s confidentiality protocols and stated that they would not provide further comment. Ortiz, who has made 16 starts for the Guardians this season with a 4.36 ERA and 96 strikeouts, remains a key player for the team despite the suspension.
The probe highlights the growing scrutiny of potential gambling misconduct in professional sports, particularly in the context of the increasing popularity of sports betting. The situation raises questions about the integrity of professional play and the potential for insider information or unethical conduct to affect game outcomes. The league’s actions serve as a reminder of the strict regulatory environment surrounding sports betting and the consequences for violations.