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Guardians Pitcher Luis Ortiz Investigated for Gambling: Report

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jack Gorman | Last updated Jul 3, 2025 2:00 PM ET

According to a report, Cleveland Guardians pitcher Luis Ortiz will not pitch again before the All-Star break. Multiple sources told The Athletic's Zack Meisel and Ken Rosenthal that Ortiz has been placed on "non-disciplinary paid leave" as a result of an investigation into gambling.

The Guardians have released the following statement on the matter:

"The Guardians have been notified by Major League Baseball 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.

Major League Baseball does allow its players to gamble on sports legally, but restricts them from betting on what it terms "diamond" sports, which it defines as baseball or softball on any level. Last year, San Diego Padres' Tucupita Marcano received a lifetime ban for betting on games involving his own team.

pic.twitter.com/hMbcTZgfaJ
— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) July 3, 2025

Ortiz, a native of the Dominican Republic, was scheduled to start Thursday night against the Chicago Cubs, but Joey Cantillo will take the mound instead. He currently has a 4-9 record with a 4.36 ERA and leads the major leagues with nine losses.

The news comes at a time when the Guardians are in a six-game slump in the midst of a disappointing season. The 2024 American League runners-up in 2024, Cleveland is currently 40-44 and ranks third in the American League Central division.

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

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