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Controversy Erupts After MLB Investigates Pitcher on Thursday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Rodney Knuppel | Last updated Jul 3, 2025 12:20 PM ET

The 2025 Major League Baseball season is well into its second half, and the Midsummer Classic is approaching in Atlanta. As the weather heats up around the country, so does the news cycle across the MLB.

One of the league’s most disappointing teams this year has been the Cleveland Guardians. After dropping its sixth straight game on Wednesday, Cleveland sits at 40-44, trailing the Detroit Tigers by 12.5 games in the American League Central.

Things got worse Thursday morning. ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported troubling news about one of Cleveland’s starting pitchers:

"Cleveland Guardians right-hander Luis Ortiz is under investigation by Major League Baseball and has been placed on paid leave, according to a statement by the league. MLB did not release specifics of the investigation."

Cleveland Guardians right-hander Luis Ortiz is under investigation by Major League Baseball and has been placed on paid leave, according to a statement by the league. MLB did not release specifics of the investigation.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 3, 2025

Ortiz has been placed on what the league is calling “non-disciplinary paid leave” through the end of the MLB All-Star break. He was originally scheduled to start Thursday’s series finale against the Chicago Cubs. The Guardians confirmed the move on their official X account.

Ortiz, 26, hails from the Dominican Republic. He was originally signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2008 and made his MLB debut in September 2022.

After being optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis at the start of the 2023 season, Ortiz returned to the majors and went 5-5 with a 4.78 ERA.

In December 2024, he was traded to Cleveland in exchange for infielder Spencer Horwitz.

This season has been a struggle for Ortiz, who carries a 4.36 ERA. His most recent start came against the St. Louis Cardinals on June 27, when he allowed six hits and four earned runs over seven innings. He gave up two home runs and was tagged with the loss in a 5-0 defeat.

As the Guardians try to regroup before the break, Ortiz’s absence and the uncertainty around the investigation add another layer to an already frustrating season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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