MLB has placed Cleveland Guardians pitcher Luis Ortiz on “non-disciplinary paid leave” due to an investigation into betting activity related to his pitches. The league has received an alert from a firm that flagged unusual gambling on Ortiz’s first pitches in select innings against the Seattle Mariners and St. Louis Cardinals.
Ortiz, 26, is scheduled to start games, but may be suspended if the investigation finds a violation of the league’s policy. This comes as the Guardians struggle with six consecutive losses, dropping to 40-44. Ortiz was acquired by Cleveland from Pittsburgh in a trade over the winter.
MLB has previously taken action against players for gambling on baseball, including suspensions and lifetime bans. A betting-integrity firm alerted the league about Ortiz’s situation, which led to his paid leave being extended beyond the initial July 17 deadline if the investigation remains open.
Source: https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/45657609/guardians-luis-ortiz-mlb-investigation-placed-leave