UPDATE: Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz will remain on nondisciplinary paid leave “until further notice” as a gambling investigation intensifies, Major League Baseball (MLB) announced on Sunday. The decision follows an unsettling inquiry into unusual betting patterns linked to Ortiz’s performance during two games in June.
The MLB confirmed the extension of the leave in a statement today, emphasizing, “We will not comment further until the investigation has been completed.” This announcement raises significant concerns about the integrity of the game and the involvement of the players.
The investigation originated from suspicious betting activity reported by a sportsbook regarding Ortiz’s pitches. On June 15, 2023, during a game against the Seattle Mariners, unusual bets were placed on whether Ortiz’s first pitch would be a ball or hit batsman. This pattern continued on June 27, 2023, during another game versus the St. Louis Cardinals. In both instances, Ortiz’s first pitch was a slider that missed the strike zone entirely, raising red flags among betting officials.
Integrity monitoring firm IC360 alerted clients to this unusual betting activity on June 27, prompting immediate scrutiny. 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 conducting its own investigation, working alongside MLB to ensure a thorough review of the situation. Their inquiry underscores the importance of maintaining fairness in the sports betting landscape, particularly as microbetting on pitch outcomes remains a controversial topic.
While betting on pitch results is a niche market, it has garnered attention. Some sportsbooks continue to offer these bets despite regulatory actions in states like New Jersey and Ohio to prohibit them. The implications of this investigation could have lasting effects on the Guardians and their players, as public trust in the sport hangs in the balance.
As the Guardians currently trail three games in the American League wild-card race, the absence of key players like Clase and Ortiz could impact their playoff aspirations. Fans and sports analysts alike are closely monitoring the developments of this investigation, which has the potential to shape the future of the team and its players.
Stay tuned for further updates as this situation unfolds. The integrity of the game is at stake, and the implications of this investigation could resonate far beyond the diamond.
