For the second time in as many weeks, a Guardians pitcher was sent on paid leave.
Less than two weeks after Cleveland starter Luis Ortiz was placed on non-disciplinary paid leave amid MLB's sports-betting investigation, star closer Emmanuel Clase was dealt the same fate, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan.
Clase, 27, is one of the game's finest relievers, landing three All-Star appearances and two Mariano Rivera Reliever of the Year awards across his first six seasons in MLB. He finished third in Cy Young voting in 2024 after posting a 0.61 ERA with 66 strikeouts in 74.1 innings. His 674 ERA+ was the second-highest single-season mark among pitchers to throw at least 50 innings.
With that, here's the latest on Clase and the investigation that has taken the Guardians' rotation and bullpen by storm.
Emmanuel Clase gambling investigation details
Cleveland confirmed the MLB placed Clase on non-disciplinary paid leave effective immediately in a statement released on Monday afternoon.
"The Guardians have been notified by Major League Baseball that Emmanuel Clase has been placed on leave per an agreement with the Players Association due to an ongoing league investigation," the statement said. "We have been informed that no additional players or Club personnel are expected to be impacted."
"The Guardians are not permitted to comment further at this time and will respect the league's confidential investigative process."
Clase has 24 saves in 48 appearances this season. His 3.23 ERA this season is the highest mark of his career. He figured to be a major trade candidate ahead of Thursday's trade deadline. With his leave running through Aug. 31, a move — while possible — appears unlikely given the circumstances.
It wasn't made immediately clear whether Clase's case is related to Ortiz's. The Ortiz probe revolves around in-game prop bets on two pitches tossed by the right-hander during starts on June 15 and June 27 against the Mariners and Cardinals, respectively. The pitches received increased gambling activity and were summarily flagged by betting integrity firm, who sent its findings to MLB.
MLB gambling policy
According to Major League Baseball, there are multiple punishments for gambling depending on the severity of the infraction:
- Players, umpires or club officials who bet on games in which they aren't a participant will be suspended for a year.
- Players, umpires or club officials who bet on games in which they are a participant will be banned for life.
- Players, umpires or club officials who bet using illegal bookmakers or agents are subject to punishment at the commissioner's discretion.
- Players, umpires or club officials who run or work for an illegal bookmaker or agent will be suspended at least one year.
MLB players suspended for gambling
MLB has a long history of gambling-related issues dating back to the Black Sox scandal in 1919 and including Pete Rose's controversial lifetime ban that was only recently overturned.
Last year, MLB suspended five players for violating the league's gambling policy. The most notable was Tucupita Marcano, who was suspended for life for his violation. Additionally, minor leaguers Andrew Saalfrank, Jay Groome, Michael Kelly, and Jose Rodriguez were given one-year suspensions for their violations, and all four of those players were reinstated last month.
Finally, earlier this season, MLB announced that umpire Pat Hoberg was fired for his involvement in a sports betting scandal.