MLB Betting Investigation: Guardians Pitcher Luis Ortiz Placed on Leave – What It Means for the Team

CHICAGO — Luis Ortiz, a pitcher for the Guardians, has been put on paid leave as part of an MLB investigation. Sources say this investigation concerns gambling activities. The league made the announcement on Thursday, stating they can’t share more details until the investigation wraps up.

Ortiz was set to pitch against the Cubs at Wrigley Field that night. Instead, Joey Cantillo was called up from Triple-A Columbus to take his place.

The Guardians released a statement saying, “The Guardians have been notified by Major League Baseball that Luis Ortiz has been placed on leave due to an ongoing investigation. We will not be making further comments and will respect the league’s process.”

This isn’t the first time MLB has had to deal with gambling issues. Last year, the league banned San Diego Padres infielder Tucupita Marcano for life for betting on his own team, alongside suspending four others for betting on baseball. Even MLB umpire Pat Hoberg lost his job after it was revealed that he shared sports betting accounts with a friend who placed bets on games.

Ortiz, who joined the Guardians in a trade with the Pirates last November, has a 4.36 ERA over 16 starts this season. He played for Pittsburgh from 2022 to 2024.

Gambling in sports is a hot topic. According to a 2023 survey by the American Gaming Association, 39% of sports fans reported that they had placed a bet on a game in the past year. This statistic shows how prevalent betting has become.

Experts in sports management suggest that leagues must adapt their rules and processes to keep pace with this change. They emphasize the need for reliable regulations to protect both players and the integrity of the games. Keeping the lines between entertainment and competition clear is essential in this evolving landscape.

While the Guardians navigate this situation, fans are left wondering how it will impact the team’s performance and Ortiz’s future. As this story develops, it highlights the ongoing challenges in maintaining fair play in sports.

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Cleveland Guardians, MLB, Sports Betting