Cleveland Guardians Pitcher Luis Ortiz Placed on Paid Leave Amid MLB Investigation
In a surprising turn of events, Cleveland Guardians pitcher Luis Ortiz has been placed on non-disciplinary paid leave just hours before his scheduled start against the Chicago Cubs on Thursday, as announced by Major League Baseball (MLB). The specifics of the league’s investigation remain unclear at this time.
Luis Ortiz, who is in his first season with the Guardians, will remain on paid leave until the end of the All-Star break. MLB has stated that no further comments will be made until the investigation concludes.
Following MLB’s announcement, the Cleveland Guardians released a statement: "The Guardians have been informed by Major League Baseball that Luis Ortiz has been placed on leave in accordance with an agreement with the Players Association due to an ongoing league investigation. At this time, the Guardians are unable to provide further comments and will respect the league’s confidential investigative process."
The 26-year-old right-handed pitcher joined the Guardians through a trade with the Pittsburgh Pirates, alongside teammates Michael Kennedy and Josh Hartle, in exchange for Spencer Horwitz. So far this season, Ortiz has made 16 starts, accumulating a record of 4-9 with a 4.36 ERA and 96 strikeouts, tying him for the most losses in the American League.
In light of Ortiz’s absence from Thursday’s lineup, the Guardians have called up left-handed pitcher Joey Cantillo, who boasts a record of 1-0 with one save and a 3.81 ERA over 21 appearances this season.
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