Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase placed on paid leave as part of MLB sports betting investigation
Cleveland Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase has been placed on non-disciplinary paid leave as part of a Major League Baseball investigation into sports betting. This move comes after Clase, a three-time All-Star, became the second Guardians pitcher to be placed on leave in connection with a sports gambling probe, with Luis Ortiz also on non-disciplinary leave through Aug. 31.
The Guardians organization stated that they have been informed that no additional players or club personnel are expected to be impacted by the investigation. Clase, who is 27 years old, has had a solid season with a record of 5-3 and 24 saves in 48 games, but he has also seen a career-high 3.23 ERA. Despite leading the AL in saves for the past three years, Clase’s future with the team is now uncertain.
In a statement before Monday night’s game, Guardians manager Stephen Vogt expressed his disappointment over the situation, stating that it is an unfortunate turn of events for the team. Major League Baseball has been closely monitoring sports gambling activities since a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in May 2018 overturned a federal law that had previously prohibited betting on various sports in most states.
MLB has not provided further details on the investigation, but they have confirmed that Clase has been placed on leave while the league continues its sports betting probe. The Major League Baseball Players Association declined to comment on the matter.
Chris Antonetti, the president of baseball operations for the Guardians, was made aware of the situation involving Clase on Sunday and addressed the team before their game against the Rockies. Vogt mentioned that the team will adopt a closer-by-committee approach in Clase’s absence.
The investigation involving Ortiz is related to in-game prop bets on two pitches thrown by the right-hander that received unusual levels of betting activity during his starts in June. The gambling activity on these pitches was flagged by a betting-integrity firm and reported to MLB.
This incident comes after MLB suspended five players in June 2024 for gambling activities, including a lifetime ban for San Diego Padres infielder Tucupita Marcano. Umpire Pat Hoberg was also fired by MLB in February for his involvement in sports gambling activities.
The Guardians will have to adjust their bullpen strategy in Clase’s absence and focus on maintaining their performance on the field. As the investigation unfolds, the team will need to stay focused and work together to overcome this challenge.
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AP freelance writer Brian Dulik in Cleveland contributed to this report.
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