Cleveland Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase has been placed on non‑disciplinary paid leave through Aug. 31 as part of a Major League Baseball investigation into suspicious gambling activity, the league announced Monday.
Clase, a three‑time All‑Star, has appeared in 47.1 innings this season with 24 saves and a 3.23 ERA. He is considered one of MLB’s top relievers and has been linked recently to trade discussions before the deadline.
He becomes the second Guardians pitcher placed on leave in recent weeks. Right-hander Luis Ortiz was first sidelined in early July after a betting-integrity firm flagged unusual wagering on two individual pitches he threw in mid‑June. Ortiz’s leave, initially scheduled to run through the All‑Star break, has since been extended as the investigation continues.
MLB has not made findings public, and neither the league nor the Guardians have offered further comment on the probe’s specifics . The team said it is fully cooperating with MLB.
As the Guardians hover around a .500 record (52–53), their playoff chances and trade deadline strategy are under pressure. Clase’s absence may influence both their bullpen reliability and potential trade options.
Clase posted historic numbers in 2024, posting a microscopic 0.61 ERA over 74⅓ innings. Ortiz, 26, was acquired from Pittsburgh in a December 2024 three‑team trade and had posted a 4–9 record with a 4.36 ERA over 16 starts this year.
