Baseball star Luis Ortiz has been suspended due to an investigation into unusual gambling activity related to two games he played in, according to reports.
Major League Baseball (MLB) and Ortiz’s team, the Cleveland Guardians, both confirmed on Thursday that the player has been placed on “non-disciplinary paid leave.”
According to ESPN, betting integrity firm IC360 flagged up two pitches by Ortiz, one in a match against the Seattle Mariners on June 15 and another in a clash with the St. Louis Cardinals on June 27.
ESPN said IC360 reported unusual betting activity across US sportsbooks in Ohio, New Jersey and New Jersey for both pitches.
Ortiz has been suspended until at least July 17.
“Cleveland Guardians pitcher Luis Ortiz has been placed on non-disciplinary paid leave through the end of the All-Star break due to an MLB investigation. We will not comment further until the investigation has been completed,” the league said.
Ortiz’s team added: “The Guardians have been notified by Major League Baseball that Luis Ortiz has been placed on leave per an agreement with the Players Association due to an ongoing league investigation.
“The Guardians are not permitted to comment further at this time and will respect the league’s confidential investigative process.”
