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The Cleveland Guardians are making headlines as their All-Star closer, Emmanuel Clase, finds himself at the center of trade rumors just ahead of this week’s deadline. However, it appears he will be sidelined for the time being.
Emmanuel Clase has been placed on non-disciplinary paid leave due to Major League Baseball’s ongoing investigation into a sports-betting scandal. This marks him as the second pitcher from the Guardians to be put on leave in connection with this inquiry, following Luis Ortiz, who is also on non-disciplinary leave through August 31.
According to an official statement from MLB, "Per an agreement with the MLBPA, Cleveland Guardians pitcher Emmanuel Clase has been placed on non-disciplinary paid leave through games on August 31 while MLB continues its sports betting investigation. We will not comment further until the investigation is complete."
The Guardians organization has stated that they do not anticipate any further impact on other players or personnel. "The Guardians have been notified by Major League Baseball that, as part of their sports betting investigation, Emmanuel Clase has been placed on non-disciplinary paid leave per an agreement with the Players Association. We have been informed that no additional players or Club personnel are expected to be impacted."
The team emphasized their commitment to respecting the league’s confidential investigative process and will cooperate fully.
In terms of performance, Clase has had an impressive season, finishing a major-league-leading 41 games. He boasts a 3.23 ERA and has recorded 24 saves for the Guardians in 2025. Last year, he earned his third All-Star selection and led the American League with 47 saves, achieving an astounding 0.61 ERA.
The investigation into Luis Ortiz relates to in-game prop bets made on two specific pitches he threw during games against the Seattle Mariners on June 15 and the St. Louis Cardinals on June 27. A betting-integrity firm raised concerns, which were subsequently reported to MLB.
This isn’t the first time MLB has faced issues with gambling; in June 2024, five players were suspended for gambling infractions, including a lifetime ban for San Diego Padres infielder Tucupita Marcano, who was found to have placed 387 bets totaling over $150,000 with legal sportsbooks.
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Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.
