Dodgers’ Edwin Diaz, Kentucky Derby jockeys linked to alleged illegal cockfighting ring

L.A.'s all-star closer and Kentucky Derby, Preakness jockeys Jose Ortiz and Irad Ortiz Jr. have been tied to cockfighting in Puerto Rico

Published May 15, 2026  •  Last updated 18 minutes ago  •  2 minute read

Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Edwin Diaz gives interviews before a game against the Miami Marlins earlier this season. AP Photo

The Los Angeles Dodgers’ superstar closer and a pair of brothers who have won more than a half-billion dollars combined have been linked to an illegal cockfighting outfit in Puerto Rico.

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In a bombshell report by USA Today Sports, MLB all-star Edwin Diaz and horse racing’s Jose Ortiz and Irad Ortiz Jr. reportedly were connected to the illegal bloodsport in their native country.

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The Ortiz brothers finished first and second at the Kentucky Derby earlier this month, with Jose aboard Golden Tempo beating out Irad on Renegade down the stretch.

Both Ortizes are still slated to ride in this Saturday’s Preakness Stakes despite the report.

Diaz, a rumoured free-agent target for the Blue Jays this past winter, signed a three-year, US$69-million deal to join the two-time defending World Series champion Dodgers.

How are these star athletes connected?

According to Josh Peter of USA Today, the Ortiz brothers both appear on social media in posts of photos and videos allegedly taken at Club Gallistico de Naguabo, a cockfighting club in Puerto Rico.

In one video posted in November 2025, the brothers appear to be collecting money off the pit floor from the betting crowd before a match, though it is unclear when the event took place.

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While Diaz wasn’t spotted at one of the events, his image has been used to advertise them.

In separate Facebook posts in February, pictures of Diaz in a Dodgers uniform – he had played the previous six seasons with the New York Mets – were used to promote cockfighting events.

One of the ads even promotes the event as a “tribute” to Diaz.

“The Puerto Rico Cockfighting Club invites all enthusiasts to a special match and a grand tribute to one of our island’s greatest sources of pride: A Tribute to the Puerto Rican Star and Cockfighter Edwin ‘Sugar’ Díaz,” the ad, translated to English, reads.

What do Diaz and Ortiz brothers have to say?

Diaz had been quoted earlier this year in feature by Puerto Rican news outlet El Nuevo Dia saying that he had followed the pastime since he was a child.

While cockfighting in Puerto Rico has a deep history dating back 400 years, a U.S. federal ban on it took effect in 2019.

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The maximum penalty for participants in a cockfight is five years in prison while spectators could be jailed for one year.

Neither of the Ortiz brothers have commented on the report by USA Today nor have they responded to requests for comment from the outlet.

Diaz, his agency and the Dodgers also have yet to speak about the reported links to the illegal activity, while USA Today reports that MLB declined to comment on the matter.

Diaz currently is on the injured list while recovering from arthroscopic surgery to remove five loose fragments of bone and cartilage from his right elbow. He hasn’t pitched since April 19.

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