Luis Ortiz Under MLB Investigation for Possible Betting Violations

Luis Ortiz of the Cleveland Guardians has been placed on non-disciplinary leave amid an MLB investigation into possible gambling activity related to specific pitches in June 2025.

Cleveland Guardians pitcher Luis Ortiz has been placed on leave by the organization amid a formal investigation by Major League Baseball into possible gambling-related concerns, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter.

The inquiry stems from alerts issued by betting-monitoring firm IC360, which notified sportsbooks about suspicious activity surrounding two pitches thrown by Ortiz last month. Both incidents involved the first pitch of separate innings—on June 15 and June 27—each resulting in a ball thrown outside the strike zone. These pitch outcomes reportedly aligned with bet types some platforms offer, such as wagers on the result of a single pitch.

Though Ortiz has not been formally disciplined, the league has initiated a review process, leading to his temporary removal from active duty. The Guardians have confirmed the leave but stated they will refrain from commenting further until the league concludes its review.

Cleveland added Ortiz to their roster in December 2024 as part of a three-team trade that also included the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Toronto Blue Jays. He has made 16 starts this season, logging 88.2 innings with a 4.36 ERA, a 4-9 win-loss record, and 96 strikeouts. His walk rate—4.3 batters per nine innings—is a concern, slightly above his career average.

Over four seasons in the majors, Ortiz has appeared in 75 games, 50 of them starts, holding a lifetime 16-22 record and a 4.05 ERA.

With Ortiz sidelined, left-hander Joey Cantillo has been called up to fill the void. Cantillo, 25, is scheduled to start against the Chicago Cubs. This marks his first start of the 2025 campaign. So far, he’s posted a 1-0 record with one save and a 3.81 ERA over 21 appearances, all in relief.

Cleveland has dropped six straight games, falling to a 40-44 record, and the timing of Ortiz’s departure only adds to the club’s struggles as they fight to stay in the playoff picture.

The franchise emphasized that it will cooperate with MLB’s investigation and honor the confidentiality of the ongoing process.