Major League Baseball is investigating Cleveland Guardians pitcher Luis Ortiz for “breaking the league’s rules on sports gambling,” ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported Thursday. As a result, Ortiz has been placed on “non-disciplinary paid leave” through July 17, according to Passan.
“The paid leave for Ortiz, which ends at the conclusion of the All-Star break, was negotiated between the league and the MLB Players Association,” Passan added. “If the investigation remains open, the leave could be extended.” Ortiz had been scheduled to face the Chicago Cubs on Thursday.
Passan’s report was confirmed by a release from MLB, which noted the league “will not comment further until the investigation has been completed.”
The MLB release also included a statement from the Guardians:
“The Guardians have been notified that Luis Ortiz has been placed on leave per an agreement with the Players Association due to an ongoing league investigation. The Guardians are not permitted to comment further at this time and will respect the league’s confidential investigative process.”
Story continues below advertisement
The Guardians acquired Ortiz from the Pittsburgh Pirates in December as part of a three-team deal which sent infielder Spencer Horwitz to Pittsburgh. Horwitz has played in 38 games for the Pirates, hitting .250 with two home runs and 15 RBIs.
As for Ortiz, the 26-year-old has made 16 starts for the Guardians, going 4-9 with a 4.36 ERA. The right-hander signed with the Pirates in 2018 and made his MLB debut four years later. Ortiz flashed his potential last season, going 7-6 with a 3.32 ERA in 37 appearances for Cleveland, including 15 starts. He struck out 107 batters in 135 2/3 innings pitched.
In his three seasons with the Pirates, Ortiz compiled a 3.93 ERA while going 12-13 with one save in 59 appearances (34 starts).
More Pirates: Pirates General Manager Reveals Biggest Trade Deadline Priority
Story continues below advertisement
Featured image via Dennis Lee-Imagn Images