Guardians pitcher Luis Ortiz placed on leave over mysterious MLB investigation
The league announced Ortiz has been placed on non-disciplinary paid leave through the All-Star break — games resume July 18 — due to an investigation.
And that was as far as the details went regarding the situation.
4 Luis Ortiz has been placed on non-disciplinary paid leave through the end of the All-Star break due to an MLB investigation.
David Richard-Imagn Images
With the ambiguous nature of the release, speculation immediately arose on social media surrounding the nature of the investigation.
Cleveland's release did not add any clarity either.
4 The reason for Luis Ortiz's leave is unknown.
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
'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 statement read. 'The Guardians are not permitted to comment further at this time, and will respect the league's confidential investigative process.'
Ortiz has been a regular in the Guardians' rotation this season.
He's 4-9 with 4.36 ERA and 96 strikeouts compared to 42 walks spanning 16 starts.
4 Luis Ortiz was set to make a start on the mound for Cleveland the day of the announcement of his leave.
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Ortiz was acquired by Cleveland in December after he spent three seasons in the big leagues with the Pirates.
His best statistical season with Pittsburgh came last season when he posted a 3.32 ERA, 107 strikeouts and 42 walks across 135 ⅔ innings. He made 15 starts among 37 apperances.
Ortiz had a 3.93 ERA across his three seasons with the Pirates.
With his sudden absence for the Guardians' rotation, Joey Cantillo will get the start Thursday night against the Cubs at Wrigley.
Cantillo has made 21 appearances for Cleveland this season, all in relief, and holds a 3.81 ERA.
4 Joey Cantillo will make a last-minute start with Luis Ortiz's mysterious investigation.
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Ortiz's leave certainly isn't ideal for the Guardians as they have struggled immensely as of late.
Cleveland entered Thursday at 40-44 after losing six straight games.
The Guardians dropped into third place in the AL Central, behind both the Twins and the AL-leading Tigers, and are also four games back of a wild-card position.
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