Cleveland Guardians All-Star closer Emmanuel Clase placed on paid leave through August 31st as part of Major League Baseball’s ongoing investigation into sports betting activities. The three-time All-Star becomes the second Guardians pitcher to face scrutiny in connection with gambling violations, joining right-hander Luis Ortiz who was placed on leave earlier this month.
This development marks another significant gambling-related incident for MLB as the league continues to grapple with sports betting issues in an era where wagering has become legal in 39 states. The investigation comes at a critical time for Cleveland, as the team sits 3.5 games behind the third wild-card spot with the trade deadline approaching.
The situation creates immediate uncertainty for the Guardians’ playoff hopes and removes one of baseball’s top closers from potential trade discussions. With Clase unavailable, Cleveland faces difficult decisions about their direction as buyers or sellers before Thursday’s deadline while managing their bullpen without their primary closer.
Key Takeaways for Clase Placed on Paid Leave
- Emmanuel Clase joins teammate Luis Ortiz as the second Guardians pitcher placed on leave for MLB’s gambling investigation
- The All-Star closer’s absence significantly impacts Cleveland’s playoff chances and trade deadline strategy
- MLB continues facing gambling scandals as sports betting becomes more accessible across the United States
Details of Emmanuel Clase’s Paid Leave
Emmanuel Clase was placed on non-disciplinary paid leave through August 31st as part of MLB’s ongoing sports betting investigation. The decision affects his availability during a crucial period for the Cleveland Guardians‘ playoff push.
Timeline of the Paid Leave Decision
MLB announced Clase’s placement on paid leave on Monday, July 28, 2025. The leave extends through games on August 31st.
This marks the second Guardians pitcher affected by the sports betting probe. Luis Ortiz was previously placed on similar non-disciplinary leave through the same August 31st date.
The timing creates challenges for Cleveland as the team approaches the trade deadline. Clase’s absence removes their primary closer during a critical stretch of the season.
MLB reached the decision through an agreement with the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA). The collaborative approach demonstrates both sides working together during the investigation process.
Scope and Duration of Leave
Leave Period: Through games on August 31, 2025
Contact Permissions:
- Clase can maintain communication with the organization
- Regular contact with team personnel remains allowed
Facility Restrictions:
- No access to team facilities during leave period
- Cannot participate in team activities at stadium or training sites
The Guardians recalled left-handed reliever Tim Herrin from Triple-A Columbus as the corresponding roster move. This provides immediate bullpen depth to replace Clase’s closer role.
Clase continues receiving full pay during the investigation period. The non-disciplinary nature means no punishment has been imposed while MLB gathers information.
Official Statements from MLB and the Guardians
MLB issued a brief statement explaining the decision: “Per an agreement with the MLBPA, Cleveland Guardians pitcher Emmanuel Clase has been placed on non-disciplinary paid leave through games on August 31st while MLB continues its sports betting investigation.”
The league emphasized they will not comment further until completing their investigation.
The Guardians released their own statement acknowledging the situation. They confirmed receiving notification from MLB about Clase’s placement on leave.
Key points from the Guardians’ statement:
- No additional players or club personnel expected to be impacted
- Team not permitted to comment further at this time
- Organization will respect MLB’s confidential investigative process
- Full cooperation with the investigation continues
The team stressed they must follow league protocols during the ongoing probe.
Overview of MLB’s Gambling Investigation
MLB has launched a sports betting investigation that affects multiple Cleveland Guardians players. The probe has resulted in two pitchers being placed on paid leave through August 31st.
Nature of the Sports-Betting Probe
The investigation centers on potential violations of Rule 21, which governs player gambling activities. This rule states that any player who bets on baseball games they have a duty to perform in faces permanent ineligibility.
MLB has not revealed specific details about what triggered the investigation. The league maintains strict policies regarding sports betting, even as it has become legal in 39 states plus Puerto Rico and Washington DC.
Players can legally bet on non-baseball sports in their area. However, betting on baseball carries severe consequences:
- Lifetime ban for betting on games involving their own team
- One-year suspension for betting on other baseball games
The investigation follows previous gambling cases in 2024. Five players received punishments ranging from one-year suspensions to lifetime bans for betting violations.
Other Cleveland Guardians Players Involved
Luis Ortiz became the first Guardians pitcher placed on leave as part of the gambling probe. The right-hander has been on non-disciplinary paid leave since July 3rd.
Ortiz’s leave runs through August 31st, the same timeframe as Clase’s suspension. MLB has not confirmed whether both players are part of the same investigation or separate probes.
The Guardians released a statement saying no other players or club personnel are expected to be impacted. This suggests the investigation may be limited to these two pitchers.
Both players remain on paid leave while MLB continues gathering evidence. The league has not provided a timeline for when the investigation will conclude or when disciplinary decisions might be announced.
Impact on the Cleveland Guardians
The Guardians face immediate challenges with their star closer sidelined until August 31st. The team must navigate crucial games without one of baseball’s most reliable relievers while their playoff hopes hang in the balance.
Team Performance Amid Clase’s Absence
The Guardians rely heavily on close games due to their offensive struggles. They average just 3.84 runs per game, ranking fifth lowest in MLB.
This makes Clase’s absence particularly damaging. The team frequently enters the ninth inning with narrow leads that require shutdown closing.
Clase posted a 3.23 ERA this season with 24 saves in 29 opportunities. While these numbers represent a down year compared to his 0.61 ERA in 2024, he remains one of baseball’s elite closers.
The Guardians’ bullpen loses its anchor without Clase. His dominant fastball and reliable performance in high-pressure situations cannot be easily replaced.
Games that would typically be secured wins may now slip away. The team’s margin for error shrinks considerably when facing opponents in tight contests.
Roster Adjustments and Replacements
The Guardians must identify internal options to fill the closer role. Cade Smith and Hunter Gaddis emerge as the most likely candidates from their current bullpen.
Smith has shown promise as a setup man this season. His performance will be tested in ninth-inning situations with games on the line.
Gaddis provides another option, though neither pitcher matches Clase’s track record. The team may use a closer-by-committee approach initially.
The organization cannot acquire a replacement through trade while Clase remains under investigation. His uncertain status makes any bullpen additions purely supplementary.
Bullpen usage patterns will shift significantly. Other relievers must handle increased workloads and higher-leverage situations than originally planned.
Implications for Playoff Hopes
Cleveland enters this period at 52-53, sitting 3.5 games behind the third wild-card spot. Three teams currently block their path to the playoffs.
The mathematical challenge grows steeper without Clase. The Guardians need strong performances in their remaining 57 games to overcome the deficit.
Their position as potential trade deadline buyers or sellers becomes clearer. Clase’s absence may push the front office toward selling mode rather than adding pieces for a playoff push.
Key relievers like Smith and Gaddis could become trade assets if the team decides to rebuild. Their value increases as other teams seek bullpen help.
The investigation timeline extends through August 31st. This covers crucial games during the final playoff push when every win matters most.
Emmanuel Clase’s Recent Performance and Career Context
Clase’s 2025 season has been marked by struggles, posting a career-high 3.23 ERA despite maintaining his save production. His performance decline comes after three consecutive years leading the American League in saves.
2025 Season Statistics
Emmanuel Clase has posted mixed results in 2025. He holds a 5-3 record with 24 saves in 48 games through July.
However, his 3.23 ERA represents a career-high mark. This is a significant jump from his previous seasons when he dominated as the league’s top closer.
The right-handed pitcher has maintained his role as Cleveland’s closer despite the elevated ERA. His save total shows he continues to get opportunities in high-leverage situations.
Clase’s struggles became evident early in the season. Multiple reports highlighted blown saves and defensive lapses that contributed to his statistical decline.
Career Achievements and Previous Seasons
Clase established himself as baseball’s premier closer over the past three years. He led the American League in saves from 2022 through 2024.
The 27-year-old earned three All-Star selections during his peak performance years. His dominance made him one of the most reliable closers in baseball.
In 2024, statistical analysis showed Clase performed 574% better than the average pitcher by ERA+. This placed him among elite relievers in baseball history.
His previous success made him a potential trade target before the current investigation. Teams viewed him as one of the most valuable closers available before the July trade deadline.