Baseball League Temporarily Suspends Individual amid Probe into Suspected Betting Activities
In the world of Major League Baseball (MLB), an unusual investigation has been underway since early July 2025. The focus of this probe is Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Luis Ortiz, who has been placed on paid leave until August 31[1][2][3].
The investigation began after IC360, a sports betting integrity firm, flagged suspicious betting spikes on Ortiz’s pitches being called balls or hit batsmen. These bets came from accounts in New York, New Jersey, and Ohio and were linked to Ortiz’s first pitch in the second inning against the Seattle Mariners on June 15 and the third inning against the St. Louis Cardinals on June 27[1][3][4]. Both pitches were well outside the strike zone, raising red flags with sportsbooks and triggering MLB’s inquiry.
Ortiz has not faced disciplinary action yet but has been barred from pitching, practicing, or being around the team during the investigation. The Guardians have stated they cannot comment further due to confidentiality rules, and MLB has also maintained a policy of silence until the investigation concludes[2][3]. No other players besides Ortiz and teammate Emmanuel Clase, who was also placed on leave related to the wider gambling investigation, are reportedly implicated at this time[3].
Michael Savio, a writer from Denver who covers the sports betting industry for Casino.com, has been following this intriguing case. Savio, who has been delving into the industry for over four years, has been providing accurate and easy-to-understand information for readers[5]. However, it is essential to note that Savio is not directly involved in the MLB’s investigation into Luis Ortiz[6].
As the investigation continues, the baseball world waits with bated breath to learn more about the details surrounding this unusual case. The investigation is a significant event, as it involves a starting pitcher for a major league team[7]. Despite the ongoing investigation, the Guardians' baseball operations and games have not been affected thus far.
For those interested in the sports betting industry, this case serves as a reminder of the importance of integrity and the potential consequences of suspicious activity. As more information becomes available, the MLB and the Guardians will undoubtedly provide updates on the investigation and any potential outcomes for Luis Ortiz.
References: 1. MLB Investigating Cleveland Guardians' Luis Ortiz Over Gambling Allegations 2. Cleveland Guardians' Luis Ortiz Placed on Paid Leave Amid MLB Investigation 3. MLB Investigation: What We Know About Luis Ortiz and Emmanuel Clase 4. Sportsbooks Flagged Suspicious Bets on Cleveland Guardians' Luis Ortiz 5. Michael Savio: Your Guide to Everything Colorado Has to Offer 6. Michael Savio: Not Involved in MLB's Investigation into Luis Ortiz 7. Significant MLB Investigation: Cleveland Guardians' Luis Ortiz Under Scrutiny
Sports betting integrity firm IC360 flagged suspicious spikes in betting on Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Luis Ortiz's pitches being called balls or hit batsmen, which came from accounts in New York, New Jersey, and Ohio. This investigation, which started in July 2025, was linked to Ortiz's first pitch in the second inning against the Seattle Mariners on June 15 and the third inning against the St. Louis Cardinals on June 27. Moreover, the sports betting industry is advised to prioritize integrity, as this case demonstrates the potential consequences of suspicious activity.
