All-Star closer Emmanuel Clase has been put on indefinite paid leave as part of a sports betting investigation by Major League Baseball that has already implicated fellow Cleveland Guardians pitcher Luis L. Ortiz.
ESPN was first to report the move, with the Guardians confirming it in a social media post on Monday, July 28, saying Clase was ‘placed on non-disciplinary paid leave per an agreement with the Players Association.’
The team added that ‘no additional players or Club personnel are expected to be impacted.’
Clase had one of the best seasons by a relief pitcher in baseball history in 2024, converting 47 saves in 50 opportunities and posting a 0.61 ERA in 74 ⅓ innings. He finished third in the AL Cy Young voting behind winner Tarik Skubal and runner-up Seth Lugo.
This season, he’s racked up 24 saves, but with a 3.23 ERA.
Ortiz was put on leave July 3, after ESPN reported that two of his pitches – both sliders far outside the strike zone in games on June 15 and June 27 – received unusual gambling activity.
The league did not specify what the investigation was about, but said in a statement Ortiz ‘has been placed on non-disciplinary paid leave through the end of the All-Star break.’
Although the break has concluded, Ortiz has yet to return to the Guardians’ active roster.