These Are the 2 Pitches That Allegedly Triggered MLB Gambling Probe

Cleveland Guardians pitcher Luis Ortiz has been placed on paid leave amid an ongoing investigation into suspicious betting activity linked to two of his pitches, according to reports.

Major League Baseball announced Ortiz has been placed on “non-disciplinary paid leave” until at least July 17, which coincides with the end of the All-Star break. The leave could be extended depending on the outcome of the investigation.

According to ESPN, betting integrity monitors flagged unusual wagers on whether Ortiz’s first two pitches in certain innings would result in a ball or a hit batsman. The bets were placed during the bottom of the second inning on June 15 against the Seattle Mariners and the top of the third inning on June 27 against the St. Louis Cardinals.

In both instances, video footage posted online shows Ortiz throwing sliders into the dirt on the first pitch—drawing scrutiny from officials and triggering alerts in multiple states, including Ohio, New York, and New Jersey.

A report from The New York Times, citing data from SportRadar, noted that Ortiz has thrown first-pitch strikes 63.1 percent of the time this season, making the flagged pitches statistically unusual.

These wagers fall into a category known as “microbets”—highly specific bets on individual actions during a game. Integrity firms often monitor such bets for irregularities.

MLB’s investigation is focused on determining whether the pitches were part of a deliberate act or simply coincidence.

Cleveland’s President of Baseball Operations Chris Antonetti said Ortiz is currently barred from team facilities but remains in communication with the organization. “We learned very little last night but knew we needed someone to start today’s game—that was our immediate focus,” Antonetti said. “We’ll let the investigative process unfold and cooperate fully.”

Guardians manager Stephen Vogt addressed the situation with the team.

“Honestly, when I got the news, I didn’t know how to feel,” Vogt said. “There are a lot of unknowns. Every team faces adversity—this just happens to be ours. I’ve been through similar situations as a player and I’m trying to respond in the way I would’ve wanted my manager to.”

The Ortiz case comes amid increasing concern over gambling’s influence on sports. In 2024, MLB issued a lifetime ban to San Diego Padres infielder Tucupita Marcano after he was found to have placed over 400 bets on baseball.

MLB has not yet commented on when a decision regarding Ortiz’s status may be finalized.