CHICAGO -- Guardians starting pitcher Luis L. Ortiz has been placed on non-disciplinary paid leave through the end of the All-Star break due to an MLB investigation, the league announced on Thursday.
Ortiz was slated to start for the Guardians in Thursday’s series finale vs. the Cubs at Wrigley Field. Lefty Joey Cantillo is expected to be recalled from Triple-A Columbus to start in his place.
MLB released a statement Thursday morning on the news, which reads: “Cleveland Guardians pitcher Luis Ortiz has been placed on non-disciplinary paid leave through the end of the All-Star break due to an MLB investigation. We will not comment further until the investigation has been completed.”
The Guardians also released a statement following the league’s announcement:
“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 Guardians are not permitted to comment further at this time and will respect the league’s confidential investigative process.”
Ortiz is in his first season with the Guardians, who acquired him from the Pirates in a trade involving Spencer Horwitz on Dec. 10. In 16 starts this season, the 26-year-old right-hander has recorded a 4.36 ERA and a 1.38 WHIP, with 96 strikeouts and 42 walks over 88 2/3 innings pitched.