### Guardians' Luis Ortiz Faces MLB Investigation Over Gambling Allegations Cleveland Guardians pitcher Luis Ortiz has been placed on non-disciplinary paid leave as Major League Baseball (MLB) investigates allegations of gambling-related activities. The investigation was prompted by unusual betting patterns associated with two specific pitches thrown by Ortiz during games in June. This situation arises amid increasing scrutiny of gambling practices in baseball, particularly following recent penalties imposed on other players and officials for similar infractions. Ortiz, who was set to start against the Chicago Cubs, will remain on leave through the All-Star break, which ends on July 18, 2025 [https://www.sportskeeda.com/baseball/news-new-details-emerge-guardians-luis-ortiz-s-mlb-investigation-gambling, https://news.worldcasinodirectory.com/mlb-probes-guardians-pitcher-luis-ortiz-over-betting-concerns-118898, https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/us/guardians-pitcher-luis-ortiz-placed-on-leave-amid-mlb-gambling-investigation/articleshow/122235619.cms]. ### Investigation Overview and Structure 1. **Background of the Investigation** - Ortiz was placed on leave just hours before a scheduled start against the Cubs, indicating the urgency of the investigation [https://nypost.com/2025/07/03/sports/guardians-luis-ortiz-placed-on-leave-over-mysterious-mlb-investigation]. - The investigation is focused on two specific pitches that were flagged for suspicious betting activity [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/report_luis_ortiz_gambling_investigation_focused_on_2_specific_pitches/s1_127_42411000]. 2. **Details of the Allegations** - A betting-integrity firm alerted MLB about unusual wagers placed on Ortiz's first pitches in two games: one on June 15 against the Mariners and another on June 27 against the St. Louis Cardinals [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/video_shows_pitches_from_luis_ortiz_that_triggered_mlb_gambling_probe/s1_127_42411491]. - Both pitches were notably outside the strike zone, raising suspicions about potential gambling violations [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/guardians_pitcher_target_of_sports_betting_investigation/s1_13132_42410302]. 3. **Implications for Ortiz and the Guardians** - Ortiz's leave is non-disciplinary, but it could extend if the investigation remains unresolved [https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/guardians-pitcher-luis-ortiz-placed-on-paid-leave-under-mlb-investigation-reportedly-about-gambling]. - The Guardians acquired Ortiz from the Pittsburgh Pirates during the offseason, and his absence could significantly impact the team's rotation [https://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/article/cleveland-pitcher-luis-ortiz-placed-on-20421039.php]. ### Evidence and Data Supporting the Investigation - **Pitches in Question**: - **June 15**: First pitch of the second inning against the Mariners, flagged for betting on whether it would be a ball or hit by pitch. The pitch was a slider well outside the strike zone [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/report_luis_ortiz_gambling_investigation_focused_on_2_specific_pitches/s1_127_42411000]. - **June 27**: First pitch of the third inning against the Cardinals, similarly flagged for unusual betting activity [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/video_shows_pitches_from_luis_ortiz_that_triggered_mlb_gambling_probe/s1_127_42411491]. ### Conclusion and Future Outlook In summary, **Luis Ortiz's placement on leave amid an MLB investigation into gambling allegations highlights the league's ongoing efforts to maintain integrity in the sport**. The investigation centers on two specific pitches that raised red flags for unusual betting activity, reflecting a broader concern about gambling practices in baseball. 1. Ortiz's leave is non-disciplinary but could extend based on the investigation's findings. 2. The Guardians face potential challenges in their pitching rotation during Ortiz's absence. 3. The outcome of this investigation may set a precedent for how MLB handles similar cases in the future. As the situation develops, the Guardians and Ortiz will be closely monitored as they navigate this serious issue [https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/guardians-pitcher-luis-ortiz-placed-on-paid-leave-under-mlb-investigation-reportedly-about-gambling, https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/sports/mlb/guardians-pitcher-luis-ortiz-non-disciplinary-leave-mlb-investigation/4225700].