Micro-bets on MLB first pitches spur investigation

The state of Ohio may be taking tough measures against the kind of wagers that initially sparked suspicions as the gambling investigations into Cleveland pitchers Luis Ortiz and Emmanuel Clase continue. A rule prohibiting certain micro-bets, such as MLB first pitches, is being drafted by regulators.

The Ohio Casino Control Commission's (OCCC) executive director, Matt Schuler, said that the agency is examining the kinds of micro-bets that are currently permitted in the state. The rule would probably take a long time to draft and would need to be approved by both the Ohio legislature and the Commission before it could be implemented.

After a significant amount was wagered on micro-bets pertaining to the opening pitch of the inning, Ortiz, who was placed on leave on July 3, had two pitches from June flagged. The first pitch of the inning featured both of the dubious pitches, both of which were well outside the strike zone.

According to an ESPN story, MLB began looking into Ortiz after two of his pitches were the subject of strange gambling activity.

According to a source, in June, the betting-integrity company IC360 reported two proposals to sportsbook operators.

According to reports, Ortiz's odd betting action on the first pitch in the bottom of the second inning against the Mariners on June 15 to be a ball or hit batter set off the first alert. Ortiz then threw a slider below the strike zone and way off the plate.

A second alert on Ortiz's strange behavior was provided by IC360 on June 27. This time, it was about the first pitch in the top of the third inning against the Cardinals, which was a ball or hit hitter. Ortiz bounced a slider far outside the zone once more.

In a July 31 news release, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine called on the OCCC to eliminate micro-bets, which he accurately defined as bets on specific events within games that are entirely under the control of a single player. This is why the review is being conducted.

Two pitches were marked for the Ortiz investigation: one on June 15 and another on June 27. In both cases, a disproportionately high wager was made on Ortiz to hit a batter or throw a ball on the opening pitch of the inning, both of which struck the dirt far beyond the zone.

MLB has had continuous discussions over how to handle micro-bets. MLB commissioner Rob Manfred told reporters during the MLB All-Star break that he believes certain wagers are needless and especially risky.

A long-time observer of professional sports commented, “When these leagues (MLB, NFL, NHL, NBA) lose their credibility because fans no longer believe it’s an honest game, they’ll have no one to blame but themselves. The amount of money these leagues are making from advertising of the betting sites is overwhelming. But is it worth it in the long run? We’ll find out.”

Although the specifics of the investigation are yet unknown, Clase was put on leave on July 28 in relation to the probe. Originally scheduled to return from leave on July 17, Ortiz's leave was extended until August 31, just as Clase's. Meanwhile, the team has cleaned out the lockers of both players.

Source:

“Ohio regulators drafting ban on micro-bets, including MLB first pitches, amid Guardians gambling investigation” , Kari Anderson, sports.yahoo.com, August 8, 2025.