"The investigation stems from unusual betting interest in individual pitches by Ortiz in two Guardians games in June. A sportsbook reported "suspicious betting" on the first pitch thrown by Ortiz to be a ball or hit batsman to begin the second inning of a June 15 game against the Seattle Mariners and again in the third inning of a June 27 game against the St. Louis Cardinals. In both instances, Ortiz threw a first-pitch slider that was well outside the strike zone."
"Integrity firm IC360, which works with sportsbooks, sports leagues and state regulators to monitor the betting market, sent out an alert to clients regarding the unusual activity involving Ortiz's pitches on June 27. Ortiz was placed on nondisciplinary paid leave July 3. Clase, the Guardians' closer, was put on nondisciplinary paid leave weeks later, on July 28. The Ohio Casino Control Commission, which oversees the state's sports betting market, has said it is investigating the situation alongside and independently of MLB."
Major League Baseball and the players' association extended nondisciplinary paid leaves for pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz while a gambling investigation continues. The investigation began after unusual betting interest in individual pitches by Ortiz in two June games. A sportsbook reported "suspicious betting" on Ortiz's first pitch being a ball or hit batsman on June 15 against the Seattle Mariners and again on June 27 against the St. Louis Cardinals. In both instances Ortiz threw a first-pitch slider well outside the strike zone. Integrity firm IC360 alerted clients. Ortiz was placed on leave July 3; Clase on July 28. The Ohio Casino Control Commission is conducting a parallel investigation. Some sportsbooks still offer microbetting despite state prohibitions.
Read at ESPN.com
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