The non-disciplinary paid leave of Cleveland Guardians right-hander was extended through Aug. 31 amid an ongoing investigation, Major League Baseball announced Friday.
The investigation reportedly is related to gambling.
Ortiz was placed on paid leave on July 3 with the intent that it would extend through the All-Star break. The MLB and MLB Players Association agreed to extend it, however.
“We have been informed of the extension and will continue to fully cooperate with the investigation,” the Guardians said in a statement.
Per reports, the investigation focuses on in-game prop bets involving two pitches by Ortiz that garnered higher activity than usual. One was tossed in a June 15 game against the Seattle Mariners, and another on June 27 versus the St. Louis Cardinals.
Ortiz is 4-9 with a 4.36 ERA in 16 starts this season. The native of the Dominican Republic was acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates as part of a three-team trade that included the Toronto Blue Jays on Dec. 10.
Ortiz, 26, owns a 16-22 record with a 4.05 ERA in 75 career games (50 starts) with the Pirates (2022-24) and Guardians.
–Field Level Media
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