### Guardians' Luis Ortiz Faces MLB Investigation Over Gambling Allegations Cleveland Guardians pitcher Luis Ortiz has been placed on non-disciplinary paid leave amid an ongoing investigation by Major League Baseball (MLB) concerning alleged gambling-related activities. The investigation was triggered by suspicious betting patterns associated with two specific pitches thrown by Ortiz during games in June. This incident comes at a time when MLB is intensifying its scrutiny of gambling practices within the sport, following previous penalties imposed on other players and officials for similar violations [https://www.sportskeeda.com/baseball/news-new-details-emerge-guardians-luis-ortiz-s-mlb-investigation-gambling, 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 Chicago Cubs, indicating the urgency of the situation [https://nypost.com/2025/07/03/sports/guardians-luis-ortiz-placed-on-leave-over-mysterious-mlb-investigation]. - The investigation is reportedly focused on two specific pitches that received unusual betting activity, raising red flags for MLB [https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/guardians-pitcher-luis-ortiz-placed-on-paid-leave-under-mlb-investigation-reportedly-about-gambling]. 2. **Details of the Allegations** - A betting-integrity firm flagged two of Ortiz's pitches during games on June 15 and June 27, which were associated with in-game prop bets [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/report_luis_ortiz_gambling_investigation_focused_on_2_specific_pitches/s1_127_42411000]. - The first pitch in question was a slider thrown during the second inning against the Seattle Mariners, which was called a ball, and the second was similarly flagged during a game 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]. 3. **Current Status and Implications** - Ortiz's leave is set to last through the All-Star break, with the possibility of extension depending on the investigation's progress [https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/sports/mlb/guardians-pitcher-luis-ortiz-non-disciplinary-leave-mlb-investigation/4225700]. - The Guardians have stated they are not permitted to comment further on the investigation, adhering to MLB protocols [https://www.abc27.com/sports/sports-illustrated/92a0be28/guardians-pitcher-luis-ortiz-under-investigation-by-mlb]. ### Evidence and Data Supporting the Investigation - **Pitches Under Scrutiny** - **June 15, 2025**: First pitch of the second inning against the Seattle Mariners - flagged for unusual betting activity. - **June 27, 2025**: First pitch of the third inning against the St. Louis Cardinals - similarly flagged [https://www.keloland.com/sports/sports-illustrated/4f30fee3/luis-ortiz-gambling-investigation-sparked-by-two-individual-pitches]. - **Betting Patterns** - Alerts were sent to sportsbooks regarding the betting activity on Ortiz's pitches, indicating a significant deviation from normal betting behavior [https://www.whec.com/ap-top-news/guardians-luis-ortiz-subject-of-mlb-gambling-investigation-placed-on-leave-ap-sources-say]. ### Conclusion and Future Implications In summary, **Luis Ortiz's placement on leave is a significant development in the ongoing scrutiny of gambling practices in Major League Baseball**. The investigation, prompted by suspicious betting patterns linked to two specific pitches, highlights the league's commitment to maintaining the integrity of the game. 1. **Immediate Actions**: Ortiz is on paid leave until at least July 18, 2025, pending the investigation's outcome [https://www.reuters.com/sports/guardians-rhp-luis-ortiz-placed-leave-by-mlb-2025-07-03]. 2. **Potential Consequences**: Depending on the findings, Ortiz could face disciplinary actions similar to those imposed on other players in recent years for gambling violations [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/guardians_pitcher_target_of_sports_betting_investigation/s1_13132_42410302]. 3. **Broader Context**: This incident underscores the ongoing challenges MLB faces in regulating gambling and ensuring fair play within the sport [https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/sports/mlb/guardians-pitcher-luis-ortiz-non-disciplinary-leave-mlb-investigation/3600560].