Cleveland’s Luis Ortiz Put on Paid Leave by MLB During Ongoing Investigation

Cleveland Guardians pitcher Luis Ortiz has been placed on non-disciplinary leave as Major League Baseball conducts an ongoing investigation.

MLB announced that Ortiz will remain on paid leave through the end of the All-Star break, which concludes on July 18. Neither the league nor the team offered additional details regarding the nature of the investigation. Ortiz returned to Cleveland on Wednesday night.

Ortiz, 26, is in his debut season with the Guardians following a trade from the Pittsburgh Pirates last December. In 16 starts this year, the right-hander has a 4-9 record, a 4.36 ERA, and 96 strikeouts. His nine losses are currently tied for the most in the American League.

Originally scheduled to start Thursday night’s game against the Chicago Cubs, Ortiz will now be replaced by left-hander Joey Cantillo, who is being called up from Triple-A Columbus. Cantillo has posted a 1-0 record with a save and a 3.81 ERA over 21 appearances this season.

Cleveland, currently sitting at 40-44, is experiencing its roughest stretch of the season with six consecutive losses. Since May 1, the team has struggled with a 9-18 record.