MLB Gambling Policy Under Scrutiny After Pitching Probe

**Luis Ortiz** Investigated; Cardinals Possibly Impacted

Major League Baseball is again grappling with potential gambling violations after an investigation into **Cleveland Guardians** pitcher **Luis Ortiz**. The probe centers on specific pitches that triggered betting alerts, possibly affecting a game against the **St. Louis Cardinals**.

Key Development

MLB is investigating **Ortiz** for potentially violating the league’s gambling policy, reported **ESPN**’s **Jeff Passan** last week. The investigation focuses on two pitches thrown by **Ortiz** that were balls and seemingly raised suspicion among betting analysts.

The questionable pitches occurred during games on June 15 against the **Seattle Mariners** and on June 27 against the **Cardinals**. “In both the bottom of the second inning against the Seattle Mariners on June 15 and in the top of the third inning against the Cardinals on June 27, **Ortiz** threw a first-pitch slider that was well outside the strike zone,” **Passan** stated.

Since the allegations surfaced, Major League Baseball has placed **Ortiz** on paid leave, which is non-disciplinary, until July 17.

Gambling Policy

The MLB’s gambling policy strictly prohibits players, coaches, umpires, club officials, league officials, and other employees from placing bets on baseball games. Penalties for violations can be severe.

For example, **Pete Rose**, MLB’s all-time hits leader, remains ineligible for Hall of Fame consideration due to violating gambling rules, despite accumulating 4,256 hits during his career (MLB.com).

Recent Precedent

The situation involving **Ortiz** arises a year after a similar scandal involving baseball superstar **Shohei Ohtani**.

That earlier incident involved a massive theft scheme perpetrated by **Ohtani**’s interpreter. The interpreter was promptly fired after the theft scheme came to light.