Luis Ortiz Remains on Leave Amid MLB Betting Probe
Cleveland Guardians pitcher Luis Ortiz will remain on non-disciplinary leave through Aug. 31 as MLB continues investigating potential irregularities in sports betting tied to his performances. Originally placed on leave on July 3, Ortiz was scheduled to return on July 19, but the timeline has been extended by mutual agreement between MLB and the MLB Players Association.
Ortiz is currently receiving paid leave but is barred from entering any Guardians facilities. While team officials may maintain communication with him, he is effectively sidelined from all baseball activities. The Guardians acknowledged the development, stating they were informed of the extension and will fully cooperate with league officials.
The investigation centers on unusual betting activity involving two pitches thrown by Ortiz: one during a June 15 start in Seattle and another in a June 27 game against St. Louis. The prop bets triggered red flags from a betting-integrity firm and were subsequently referred to MLB.
Ortiz was acquired by Cleveland in a December trade with Pittsburgh and has recorded a 4-9 record, a 4.36 ERA, and 96 strikeouts across 16 starts this season.
Ortiz's situation comes at a time of increased vigilance regarding baseball wagers. The league suspended five players, including Padres shortstop Tucupita Marcano, for breaches of gambling policies. Marcano was banned for life.
One-year bans were handed down to three minor leaguers and Athletics pitcher Michael Kelly.
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Scrutiny widens with Hoberg dismissal
MLB has upped its stance in maintaining integrity in the series, with players and umpires alike facing more stringent regulations.
Earlier this year, umpire Pat Hoberg was dismissed for violating the league's gambling policies by sharing access to his legal sports betting accounts with a friend who bet on baseball. Hoberg also intentionally deleted communications considered relevant to the MLB investigation.
The league launched its inquiry in February after receiving a report from the sportsbook involved. Although investigators uncovered no proof that Hoberg bet on baseball personally or manipulated games, MLB SVP of On-Field Operations Michael Hill recommended firing on May 24. Commissioner Rob Manfred upheld the ruling, stating that even indirect involvement with betting undermines the standards of the league.
The friend linked to Hoberg allegedly placed 141 baseball bets, involving nearly $214,000, over a two-and-a-half-year span and earned approximately $35,000 in profits. Though Hoberg rated high in strike zone accuracy, he cannot be reinstated until spring training 2026.
MLB's reaction shows a zero-tolerance policy as legal sports betting continues to spread throughout the U.S. The league states that protecting game integrity remains its top priority and will continue to take decisive action in all such cases.
