Former Pirates Pitcher Luis Ortiz Being Investigated By MLB for Gambling

Former Pittsburgh Pirates right-handed pitcher Luis Ortiz has been placed on non-disciplinary paid leave amidst an MLB investigation for gambling, according to The Athletic.

Ortiz, who spent three seasons with the Pirates from 2022-24, totaled 59 appearances/34 starts with Pittsburgh and went 12-13 with a 3.93 ERA. He was signed by the organization as an amateur free agent out of the Dominican Republic in 2018.

The Pirates traded Ortiz to the Cleveland Guardians this past offseason as part of a four-player swap that netted Pittsburgh first baseman Spencer Horwitz. Ortiz went 4-9 with a 4.36 ERA in 16 starts with Cleveland.

The Guardians released the following statement on Ortiz:

“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.”

Several players received discipline from Major League Baseball for gambling in 2024, including former Pirates infielder Tucupita Marcano.

Marcano, who was injured at the time, received a lifetime ban from the league in 2024.

According to MLB’s policy, players are not permitted to bet on baseball or softball at any level, but they are permitted to bet on other sports.