Cleveland pitcher Luis Ortiz was put on a paid leave of absence Thursday while MLB investigates suspicious betting activity around two pitches he made in June, according to ESPN.
You can see the pitches for yourself here: One on June 15 vs. the Mariners and one on June 27 vs. the Cardinals. The “microbet” wager was whether he would throw a ball or a strike. Both were no-doubt-about-it balls.
As ESPN’s Jeff Passan points out, there are about 700,000 pitches thrown in a season, so it wouldn’t take much activity to send off alerts to regulators.
While we are on America’s pastime, Greg Peterson has six Best Bets for today’s holiday MLB slate.
Adam Burke, Steve Makinen and Josh Appelbaum will file their daily contributions later this morning.
I’m just a Bill — but soon to be law
The tax language that has caused legitimate concerns among professional gamblers — featured in yesterday’s newsletter — remained part of the bill passed by the U.S. House on Thursday and to be signed by the president as soon as today.
Starting in 2026, gamblers only will be allowed to deduct 90 percent of their losses against 100 percent of their gains vs. the current 100 percent deduction.
In what generously might be called a surprising statement, the American Gaming Association praised the bill, but did leave room to work with Congress to address the tax code concerns.
Department of corrections: Jeff Edelstein wrote the fine piece I referenced yesterday. ICYMI: Jeff explained why this change could have ramifications beyond pro sports bettors.
A heavy favorite among dogs
I read that 150 million hot dogs will be consumed today in the U.S.
But sports bettors hungry for action on the Fourth of July will only care about the 60-something hot dogs that Joey Chesnut will try to consume in the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest (10:45 a.m. ET for women/noon for men on ESPN2).
VSiN.com managing editor Adam Burke puts his handicapping skills to the ultimate test by coming up with Best Bets for the contest — and throws in a pick from Money Moves host Stormy Buonantony, who discussed the topic on her show.
Alas, my trip to Montana will prevent me from witnessing Circa’s indelible version of a hot dog eating contest — Weenies and Bikinis at Stadium Swim.
Quick Hits
Wimbledon: What’s more American than Wimbledon on the Fourth of July? Zach Cohen posts his daily Best Bets on our tennis page and adds more picks throughout the day on our tennis picks page. Gill Alexander sends me his picks for the page in the evening for the next day’s action.
Soccer: We’re down to the Elite 8 in the Club World Cup. Nigel Seeley has picks for the games today and tomorrow.
Horse Racing: “Mr. Ed” Sehon has picks for today’s Saratoga card. Horse racing coverage is sponsored by 1/ST BET. Get your $200 sign-up bonus.
>Mike Somich and Aaron Halterman offer their favorite weekend plays on VSiN At The Track. >>Watch the show. >>And now in podcast format.
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