URGENT UPDATE: Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz will remain on nondisciplinary paid leave “until further notice” as a serious gambling investigation unfolds, Major League Baseball (MLB) confirmed on July 30, 2023. The league’s swift action comes after unusual betting patterns were reported concerning Ortiz’s pitching during two games in June.
The investigation centers around “suspicious betting” linked to Ortiz’s first pitches in matchups against the Seattle Mariners on June 15 and the St. Louis Cardinals on June 27. These incidents raised red flags when a sportsbook reported abnormal interest in whether Ortiz’s first pitch would be a ball or a hit batsman. In both instances, Ortiz threw a slider well outside the strike zone, leading to increased scrutiny.
MLB stated in its announcement, “We will not comment further until the investigation has been completed,” emphasizing the seriousness of the situation. The integrity firm IC360, which monitors betting markets, alerted clients about the unusual activity on June 27, sparking further investigation.
Ortiz was placed on paid leave on July 3, with Clase following suit weeks later on July 28. The Ohio Casino Control Commission is also investigating, acting independently but in coordination with MLB, highlighting the gravity of the situation in the sports betting landscape.
Betting on individual pitch outcomes, known as microbetting, is currently offered by a limited number of U.S. sportsbooks. However, some states, including New Jersey and Ohio, are moving to restrict these markets due to integrity concerns. As the Guardians continue their season, sitting three games back in the American League wild-card race, the implications of this investigation could have significant consequences for players, the team, and the integrity of the sport itself.
Fans are left wondering about the future of Clase and Ortiz while the investigation proceeds. The league’s actions reflect a commitment to maintaining the integrity of baseball and ensuring fair play amid the rapid growth of sports betting in the U.S.
Stay tuned for further developments as this story unfolds.