CLEVELAND — Investigation Continues for Guardians Pitchers
Major League Baseball, alongside the players’ association, has decided to extend the non-disciplinary paid leave for Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz “until further notice” amid an ongoing investigation into sports betting activities involving the two pitchers from the Cleveland Guardians. Previously, they were on paid leave until August 31.
This extension likely means that neither player will return to pitch for the Guardians this season. Ortiz has been out since July 3, the day he was slated to start in a game that led to a 10-game losing streak. Following the All-Star break, Ortiz’s leave was extended through at least the end of August.
On July 28, it was announced that Clase was also under investigation and would join Ortiz on paid leave. MLB reassured the Guardians that “no additional players or club personnel are expected to be impacted” by the investigation.
The Ohio Casino Control Commission had received tips regarding “suspicious wagering activity on Cleveland Guardians events” from both an Ohio sportsbook and MLB at the end of June. They are collaborating with MLB on the investigation, but neither party will provide further comments until it concludes.
Clase, 27, holds the franchise record for saves and led the American League in saves for the past three seasons. He posted a 0.61 ERA in 2024, earning a third-place finish in the AL Cy Young Award voting. Over six big-league seasons, he maintains a 1.88 ERA, making him a sought-after trade candidate this summer.
The Guardians had been considering offers for Clase leading up to the July 31 trade deadline, as he and fellow reliever Cade Smith had favorable team control. However, once Clase was placed on paid leave, he became ineligible for a trade. The Guardians acquired Ortiz through a three-team deal in November, which also sent Gold Glove-winning second baseman Andrés Giménez to the Toronto Blue Jays.
According to Rule 21d(2) in the MLB handbook, players, umpires, or officials who bet on games they are involved in face permanent ineligibility. Rule 21d(3) stipulates penalties for those betting with illegal bookmakers. Guardians manager Stephen Vogt indicated that players are well-informed about the rules, and team president Chris Antonetti reiterated that awareness of these regulations is clear. As the team navigates a tumultuous summer, they’ve made adjustments, with younger pitchers stepping up in the rotation and bullpen amidst the absence of Clase and Ortiz.
