Cleveland Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase has been placed on non-disciplinary paid leave amid a Major League Baseball investigation into sports betting.
Clase, a three-time All-Star, is the second pitcher from the Guardians to be placed on leave in connection with the sports gambling inquiry. Another pitcher, Luis Ortiz, is also on non-disciplinary leave through August 31.
It remains unclear whether the two cases are connected. The Guardians stated that no other players or staff are expected to be impacted at this time.
This season, the 27-year-old Clase has a 5-3 record with 24 saves in 48 games, though his earned run average (ERA) has risen to a career-high 3.23. Clase led the American League in saves for three consecutive years and was considered a potential trade candidate ahead of the MLB deadline.
Guardians manager Stephen Vogt expressed his disappointment before Monday’s 8-6 loss to Colorado, saying, “I’m not happy. This stinks. It’s a different part of our game now because it’s legal. Two of our guys are being investigated — and it hurts. It’s an unfortunate situation.”
Since a 2018 U.S. Supreme Court ruling struck down a federal law banning sports betting in most states, Major League Baseball has increased scrutiny of gambling activities.
MLB announced that Clase was placed on leave under an agreement with the players’ association while the investigation continues, but declined further comment. A spokesperson for the Major League Baseball Players Association also declined to comment.
Guardians’ President of Baseball Operations Chris Antonetti said he learned about the situation involving Clase on Sunday and promptly informed coaching staff and players before the series opener against the Rockies.
“You’re shocked, you’re upset, you’re frustrated. But I thought our guys, they did fine,” Vogt said. “It was a long day for our guys, for everybody. So we’re ready to get here tomorrow and get back after it.”
Following the loss to Colorado, Cleveland’s record dropped to 52-54. Cade Smith gave up a save opportunity after the Rockies scored four runs in the ninth inning.
Vogt said the team plans to use a closer-by-committee approach for the time being.
Smith commented on Clase’s absence, saying, “He’s a part of the team. It sucks for him to be not here today.”
The investigation into Ortiz centers on unusual betting activity on two pitches during his starts in Seattle on June 15 and against St. Louis on June 27. A betting integrity firm flagged the activity and reported it to MLB.
These two Guardians pitchers’ leave status comes after MLB suspended five players for gambling in June 2024, including a lifetime ban for San Diego Padres infielder Tucupita Marcano. Marcano reportedly placed 387 baseball bets totaling over $150,000 with a legal sportsbook in 2022 and 2023.
Other suspensions included Athletics pitcher Michael Kelly and three minor leaguers — San Diego pitcher Jay Groome, Arizona pitcher Andrew Saalfrank, and Philadelphia infielder José Rodríguez — who each received one-year suspensions.
Additionally, MLB fired umpire Pat Hoberg in February after he shared his legal sports gambling accounts with a friend who placed bets on baseball games and deleted electronic messages related to the league’s investigation.
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Cleveland’s Luis Ortiz Put on Paid Leave by MLB During Ongoing Investigation
