MLB Investigates Unusual Betting Patterns Involving Guardians' Pitcher Luis Ortiz

Cleveland Guardians pitcher Luis Ortiz has been placed on paid, non-disciplinary leave by Major League Baseball (MLB) amid an investigation into unusual betting patterns associated with his recent games. The inquiry focuses on in-game prop bets during Ortiz's starts on June 15 against the Seattle Mariners and June 27 against the St. Louis Cardinals.

A betting-integrity firm flagged these activities and reported them to MLB. Ortiz's leave is scheduled to last through the All-Star break, with the possibility of extension if the investigation continues.

The investigation centers on first-pitch sliders thrown by Ortiz that were well outside the strike zone during the bottom of the second inning against the Mariners on June 15 and the top of the third inning against the Cardinals on June 27. These pitches coincided with higher-than-usual betting activity on prop bets predicting a ball or hit batsman.

Luis Ortiz, 26, is in his first season with the Cleveland Guardians after being acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates in December 2024. This season, he has a 4-9 record with a 4.36 ERA in 16 starts, with his nine losses tying for the most in the American League. Over his four-year MLB career, Ortiz holds a 16-22 record with a 4.05 ERA.

MLB maintains a strict policy against gambling to preserve the integrity of the sport. This policy prohibits players and officials from betting on baseball games, with penalties ranging from suspensions to lifetime bans. In June 2024, MLB issued a lifetime ban to San Diego Padres infielder Tucupita Marcano for betting on baseball games, including those involving his own team. Additionally, four other players received one-year suspensions for gambling violations.

Baseball has a long history of gambling-related scandals. The 1919 Black Sox Scandal involved eight Chicago White Sox players accused of intentionally losing the World Series in exchange for money from gamblers. More recently, in 1989, Pete Rose, MLB's all-time hits leader, received a lifetime ban for betting on baseball games while managing the Cincinnati Reds. In 2025, MLB posthumously reinstated Rose and "Shoeless" Joe Jackson, making them eligible for Hall of Fame induction in 2028.

Ortiz's placement on leave adds to the challenges faced by the Cleveland Guardians. The team has experienced a season-high six-game losing streak and holds a 40-44 record, placing them 12.5 games behind the first-place Detroit Tigers in the American League Central Division. Ortiz was scheduled to start against the Chicago Cubs on July 3; in his absence, left-hander Joey Cantillo was recalled from Triple-A Columbus to make his season debut.

The investigation into Ortiz underscores the ongoing challenges professional sports leagues face in maintaining integrity amid the widespread legalization of sports betting. While legal sports betting offers transparency and monitoring capabilities, it also increases the potential for gambling-related infractions among players and officials. This case highlights the necessity for robust monitoring systems and educational programs to prevent gambling violations and protect the sport's integrity.

As MLB's investigation into Luis Ortiz's alleged involvement in suspicious gambling activities continues, the league's commitment to preserving the integrity of the sport remains evident. The outcome of this inquiry could have significant implications for Ortiz's career and the Guardians' season.