When your team fails to make the playoffs, there’s always that point in the season that makes you say, “I don’t think this is our year.”

That happened to me yesterday when Luis Ortiz was removed from his start against the Chicago Cubs.

The Cleveland Guardians released a mysterious statement that MLB had placed Ortiz on “administrative leave” pending an investigation.

Well, that doesn’t sound good.

Later, ESPN reported Ortiz faces gambling-related allegations involving “microbets” about two individual pitches that were “well outside the strike zone.”

Whether Ortiz is guilty or not, MLB suspending him is ironic considering that the Guardians radio broadcasts are sponsored by Bet365.

SEVEN STRAIGHT LOSSES

Joey Cantillo came up from the minor leagues to replace Ortiz, and he and four relievers pitched nine shutout innings.

Unfortunately, the Guardians didn’t score and lost to the Chicago Cubs 1-0 in 10 innings at Wrigley Field.

Emmanuel Clase (4-2) got the tough-luck loss. The 10th inning started with a ghost-runner on second base, and Matt Shaw won the game with a sacrifice fly.

Cleveland only managed seven hits, including two by Steven Kwan. He and Jose Ramirez were the only two hitters in the lineup with a batting average above .240.

Even with perfect fielding and while surrendering only three hits, the Guardians dropped their seventh straight game.

HERE COME THE TIGERS

The Detroit Tigers (54-34) are coming to Progressive Field tonight for a Fourth of July contest.

Slade Cecconi (3-3) will start for the Guardians against Reese Olson (4-3) for the Tigers. First pitch is set for 7:10 p.m.

Hopefully, my daughter and the other fans in attendance will get to enjoy some fireworks before the end of the game.