Guardians pitcher Luis Ortiz placed on leave amid MLB investigation

Jun 9, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Luis Ortiz (45) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Luis Ortiz has been placed on paid leave amid an investigation by Major League Baseball.

MLB announced on Thursday that Ortiz has been placed on “non-disciplinary paid leave” through the All-Star break, which runs through July 17.

No details were provided about the investigation.

Guardians pitcher Luis Ortiz has been placed on "non-disciplinary paid leave" through the All-Star break because of an MLB investigation.

He was supposed to start tonight. Joey Cantillo will instead.
— Zack Meisel (@ZackMeisel) July 3, 2025

Ortiz was scheduled to start for Cleveland in Thursday night’s game against the Chicago Cubs. He will be replaced by left-hander Joey Cantillo, who has made 21 appearances out of the bullpen this season.

Ortiz, 26, spent the first three seasons of his career with the Pittsburgh Pirates before being traded to the Guardians last winter. He is 4-9 with a 4.36 ERA in 16 starts this season.

No further information was immediately available about the investigation.