CLEVELAND — Guardians starter Luis L. Ortiz’s leave of absence has been extended through Aug. 31, Major League Baseball announced on Friday.
“MLB and the MLBPA have agreed to extend Cleveland Guardians pitcher Luis Ortiz’s non-disciplinary paid leave through games on August 31st while MLB continues its investigation,” the league said in a statement.
Ortiz was placed on non-disciplinary paid leave through the All-Star break on July 3, per an agreement with the MLB Players Association, due to a league investigation. The 26-year-old is not permitted at team facilities while on leave, which removed him from Cleveland’s 40-man roster, though he is permitted contact with the organization.
“We have been informed of the extension and will continue to fully cooperate with the investigation,” the Guardians said in a statement.
Ortiz is in his first season with the Guardians, who acquired him from the Pirates on Dec. 10 last offseason in a trade involving Spencer Horwitz. Over 16 starts this season, Ortiz has recorded a 4.36 ERA in 88 2/3 innings.
The Guardians recalled Joey Cantillo from Triple-A Columbus on July 3 to join the starting rotation after Ortiz went on leave.
