Ortiz under investigation by MLB
Yankees fall from first. Anniversary of Gehrig’s speech. Mets prospect honored
Good morning, all and Happy 4th of July!
On the eve of the 86th anniversary of Lou Gehrig’s “Luckiest Man” speech, word broke that Cleveland Guardians pitcher Luis Ortiz had been suspended by MLB with pay and under investigation. Neither the league nor Guardians would comment about the suspension but ESPN’s Jeff Passan is among those reporting that the suspension is gambling-related.
You are innocent until proven guilty but the crux of the matter reportedly involves two pitches Ortiz threw that ostensibly generated a lot of betting action. You can watch the pitches here.
Think about this for a minute. There are more than 700,000 pitches thrown per MLB season and every pitch is scrutinized. A betting-integrity firm noticed the first two pitches out of the strike zone and flagged Ortiz. Apparently - and I know nothing because I have never bet nor am I permitted to bet as a broadcaster of a minor league baseball team - you can bet on whether a pitch is a ball or a strike. And in this case, how Ortiz pitched and the action placed with “First pitch of the third inning will be a ball,” caught the investigators attention.
I have always said these professional sports are flirting with danger by getting in bed with legalized gambling, but that ship sailed years ago. The revenue the sports make from wagering is too big to pass up. Once again we are reminded of the inherent risks associated with an endeavor considered persona non grata for more than a century. Just do not expect anything to change.
Here are some other DAN ON SPORTS top stories for this 4th of July, 2025:
It’s about time MLB woke up. Commissioner wants 4th to be special for baseball
Yankees collapse in full swing. Blue Jays sweep 4-game series against Yanks in Toronto for first time. In first place by themselves
More bad news for Yankees. Schmidt needs MRI
Flirting with no-no, Dodgers sweep White Sox. Did you think they would not?
James Wood has first five-hit career game
Mets pitching prospect Tong named EL Pitcher of the Month. Pitches tonight against Hartford Yard Goats
Anniversary of Lou Gehrig’s speech
Nice! Rodgers working out with Steelers receivers in Malibu
Steelers GM gets new 3-year contract
Starters announced for MLB All-Star game
Raleigh and Acuna Jr. in HR Derby
Durant deal could expand big time
California AG calls out daily fantasy sports
And we are supposed to be shocked? Study shows 9 in 10 sports fans stream
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DAN