Major League Baseball Places Player Under Temporary Suspension due to Alleged Gaming Scandal Inquiry
Cleveland Guardians Starter Luis Ortiz on Paid Leave Amid MLB Investigation
The Major League Baseball (MLB) is currently conducting an investigation into Cleveland Guardians starter Luis Ortiz due to unusual betting activity detected on specific pitches he threw during two games in mid-June 2025.
The investigation was initiated by the MLB earlier this month and has led to Ortiz's temporary leave from the team. He has been on non-disciplinary paid leave since July 3, 2025, initially through the All-Star break, but this leave has been extended through August 31, 2025, while the league continues to investigate the suspicious wagering patterns tied to him.
The investigation originated from alerts issued by IC360, a firm that monitors betting markets for irregularities. They observed abnormal spikes in bets on Ortiz’s first pitch in select innings during games on June 15 against the Seattle Mariners and June 27 against the St. Louis Cardinals. Specifically, large sums were wagered from accounts in New York, New Jersey, and Ohio on outcomes such as the pitch being a ball or hitting the batter, both of which occurred with pitches well outside the strike zone.
At this time, no additional players or Guardians personnel are reported to be involved or impacted by the gambling investigation. These developments mirror a related case involving Guardians pitcher Emmanuel Clase, who has also been placed on non-disciplinary paid leave as part of the broader Major League Baseball gambling inquiry.
The exact nature of the investigation into Luis Ortiz remains undisclosed publicly. Analysts note that manipulating specific individual player props, such as bets on a pitcher’s first pitch outcome, is a complex issue, but the circumstances of Ortiz’s case raise significant concerns regarding the integrity of these games.
Michael Savio, a writer based in Denver, covers the sports betting industry for Casino.com. His articles provide accurate and easy-to-understand information about the latest developments in the industry. It is important to note that Michael Savio is not sponsored by the Guardians baseball team or the MLB, and his personal hobbies include betting on sports and exploring Colorado.
Ortiz's paid leave through August 31, 2025, continues amid the ongoing investigation. Unless new evidence emerges, Ortiz is effectively out for the remainder of the season while the league’s investigation proceeds. The MLB and the MLB Players Association agreed to this non-disciplinary leave extension to allow time for a thorough investigation while ensuring Ortiz’s rights are preserved during the process.
As the investigation continues, the Guardians will need to find a replacement for Ortiz in the starting rotation. The team is currently in a tight race for the American League Central division title and cannot afford to lose a key contributor like Ortiz for an extended period.
In conclusion, the investigation into Luis Ortiz's unusual betting activity on specific pitches he threw in June continues amid the MLB's ongoing investigation. The exact nature of the investigation remains undisclosed, but the developments have raised concerns about the integrity of certain games and the league's efforts to maintain fairness and integrity in baseball.
[1] Michael Savio, "MLB Investigates Suspicious Betting Activity on Cleveland Guardians Pitcher Luis Ortiz," Casino.com, July 15, 2025. [2] Michael Savio, "Cleveland Guardians' Luis Ortiz Extends Paid Leave Through August 31," Casino.com, July 31, 2025. [3] Michael Savio, "MLB and MLB Players Association Agree to Extend Luis Ortiz's Paid Leave," Casino.com, August 15, 2025. [4] Michael Savio, "Analysts Raise Concerns About Ortiz Investigation and its Impact on Baseball Integrity," Casino.com, August 25, 2025.
Sports betting on Major League Baseball (MLB) has brought notable attention to the league following the investigation into Cleveland Guardians' starter Luis Ortiz. Unusual betting activity was detected on specific pitches he threw during two games in mid-June 2025, which led to his temporary leave from the team. This investigation revolves around bets on Ortiz’s first pitch outcome, raising significant concerns about the integrity of certain games. Meanwhile, the MLB continues to monitor the situation and has extended Ortiz's paid leave through August 31, 2025.
