MLB Launches Gambling Investigation On Guardians’ Luis Ortiz: REPORT

Luis Ortiz, a right-handed pitcher for the Cleveland Guardians, is being investigated by MLB following a firm centered on gambling integrity catching whiff of odd betting activity on a couple of pitches that he made, according to a report Thursday from ESPN.

Per the four-letter network‘s sources, the firm known as IC360 alerted sportsbook operators in June about Ortiz. Major League Baseball has put him on “non-disciplinary paid leave” that will be in effect until July 17. (RELATED: REPORT: Malik Beasley’s Money Problems Revealed Amid Gambling Investigation)

Per ESPN’s sources who looked it over, the alert made a reference to activity on the first pitches from Ortiz in particular innings, where an unusual amount of money was placed on him to throw a ball or hit a batter. This happened in two games: against the Seattle Mariners (June 15) and St. Louis Cardinals (June 27).

In the bottom of the second inning during the Seattle game, as well as the top of the third inning in the St. Louis contest, Ortiz threw a slider as his first pitch that was way out of the strike zone.

In a typical MLB season, more than 700,000 pitches are thrown. Two from Luis Ortiz had unusual gambling action on them, prompting an alert sent out and an investigation by Major League Baseball. From our story (https://t.co/Ib6FwBm5MH), here are the details on the pitches. pic.twitter.com/EBniWKT8gw

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 3, 2025

“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,” said the Guardians in an official statement, per ESPN. “The Guardians are not permitted to comment further at this time and will respect the league’s confidential investigative process.”