Guards All-Star pitcher Emmanuel Clase on paid leave amid investigation
CLEVELAND (WJW) — The Cleveland Guardians‘ All-Star closer Emmanuel Clase is on non-disciplinary paid leave, the team confirmed in a statement.
The team said it was told by Major League Baseball that Clase is under investigation for alleged sports betting.
“We have been informed that no additional players or Club personnel are expected to be impacted,” the team said in the statement. “The Guardians are not permitted to comment further at this time and will respect the league’s confidential investigative process as we continue to fully cooperate.”
The news comes after pitcher Luis Ortiz was also put on paid leave in the midst of a sports betting investigation (as seen in the video at the top of the story).
CLEVELAND, OH – OCTOBER 19: Emmanuel Clase #48 of the Cleveland Guardians reacts to the out in the ninth inning during Game 5 of the ALCS presented by loanDepot between the New York Yankees and the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field on Saturday, October 19, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Lauren Leigh Bacho/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
Cleveland Guardians relief pitcher Emmanuel Clase reacts after the final out against the San Francisco Giants at the end of a baseball game in Cleveland, Sunday, July 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Phil Long)
Cleveland Guardians pitcher Emmanuel Clase throws to a San Francisco Giants batter during the ninth inning of a baseball game Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
Cleveland Guardians manager Stephen Vogt, left, greets relief pitcher Emmanuel Clase (48) after they defeated the Minnesota Twins in a baseball game Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Cleveland Guardians pitcher Emmanuel Clase warms up before Game 4 of a baseball AL Division Series against the New York Yankees, Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Phil Long)
CLEVELAND, OH – APRIL 10: Emmanuel Clase #48 of the Cleveland Guardians celebrates a 3-2 win against the New York Yankees at Progressive Field on April 10, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Ron Schwane/Getty Images)
Clase, 27, was deemed the American League’s Reliever of the Year in 2022 and 2024, after joining Cleveland’s professional baseball team in 2021.
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