Cleveland Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase has been put on non-disciplinary paid leave as Major League Baseball intensifies its investigation into sports betting, the league announced on Monday. Clase is the second pitcher from the Guardians to face such a leave, following right-hander Luis Ortiz, who was placed on leave earlier this month. It remains unclear if the two investigations are connected.
The MLB clarified through a statement that Clase’s leave is part of the ongoing probe, with the agreement of the MLB Players Association, stating,
“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,”
and added,
“We will not comment further until the investigation has been completed.”
Guardians Confirm No Additional Players or Staff Impacted at This Time
The Cleveland Guardians organization has stated that, at this point, no other players or team personnel are expected to be affected by the league’s investigation. In a team announcement, they said,
“We have been informed that no additional players or club personnel are expected to be impacted,”
while also noting,
“The Guardians are not permitted to comment further at this time, and will respect the league’s confident investigative process as we continue to fully cooperate.”
Emmanuel Clase’s Performance and Trade Prospects Amid the Investigation
Emmanuel Clase, 27, has been among MLB’s most effective closers over recent seasons. Despite what could be considered a subdued campaign this year, Clase maintains a 3.23 ERA with 24 saves out of 29 opportunities. His recent struggles include surrendering a walk-off three-run homer to the Kansas City Royals on Saturday. In contrast, last season he recorded an exceptional 0.61 ERA and converted 47 saves in 50 chances. Heading into the trade deadline on Thursday, Clase was viewed as one of the top candidates to be traded.
Context of Luis Ortiz’s Investigation and League’s Sports Betting Rules
Ortiz’s inquiry originated after a betting integrity firm flagged two of his pitches that coincided with a surge in wagers on certain game outcomes. Both flagged pitches, occurring on June 15 and June 27, were notably obvious balls thrown as the first pitch of their respective innings. While the MLB permits players to bet on sports legal in their jurisdictions, bets on baseball or softball are explicitly prohibited under league rules.
Rule 21, displayed in every team clubhouse, clearly states,
“Any player, umpire or club or league official or employee, who shall bet any sum whatsoever upon any baseball game in connection with which the bettor has a duty to perform, shall be declared permanently ineligible.”
Previous Baseball Betting Sanctions and MLB’s Stance on Lifetime Bans
In a precedent from last year, San Diego Padres infielder Tucupita Marcano received a lifetime ban for betting on baseball games, while four others, including Athletics pitcher Michael Kelly, Padres left-hander Jay Groome, Phillies infielder José Rodriguez, and Diamondbacks lefty Andrew Saalfrank, were suspended for one year for similar violations involving games not featuring their teams. Kelly, Rodriguez, and Saalfrank have since completed their suspensions and returned to play, whereas Groome became a free agent after his contract was not renewed.
Earlier this year, Commissioner Rob Manfred removed Pete Rose and members of the infamous 1919 Black Sox from the MLB’s permanently ineligible list, citing that lifetime bans conclude upon the individual’s death.
Broader Sports Betting Penalties Across Professional Leagues
The issue of sports betting violations extends beyond baseball. Last year, NBA forward Jontay Porter was banned for life for violating that league’s policy, and NFL wide receiver Calvin Ridley was suspended for the entire 2022 season for his involvement in betting activities.
Guardians’ Current Standing in AL Central Amid Uncertainty
As of Monday, the Guardians hold a 52-53 record, occupying a position eight games behind the top of the AL Central division and trailing 3½ games for the third wild-card spot. The developments surrounding the betting investigations have added a layer of uncertainty not just to the team’s roster but also to their performance prospects in the closing stages of the season.
Implications and What Could Follow Next in the Investigation
The placement of Emmanuel Clase on paid leave amid the MLB betting investigation highlights the league’s heightened scrutiny of gambling activities within the sport. With Clase considered a vital closer and a significant trade candidate, this situation could impact the Guardians’ roster movement and competitive outlook. How the investigation unfolds may influence not only player availability but also future MLB policies and enforcement related to sports betting integrity.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What tattoo does Emmanuel Clase have?
A. For half a year, Emmanuel Clase was almost unbeatable. He performed exceptionally well and was as dazzling as the fresh lightning bolt tattoo on his neck.
Q. What ethnicity is Emmanuel Clase?
A. Emmanuel Clase, who was born on March 18, 1998, is a professional baseball pitcher from the Dominican Republic. He currently plays for the Cleveland Guardians in Major League Baseball. Before joining the Guardians, he played his first MLB game with the Texas Rangers in 2019.
Q. How fast does Emmanuel Clase throw?
A. Clase’s pitching approach includes a fastball that reaches speeds in the high 90s to low 100s mph and a slider in the low 90s.
Q. What is Emmanuel Clase’s salary?
A. Clase signed a contract extension with Cleveland in 2022 that’s advantageous for the team. He will earn a base salary of $2.9 million in 2024. In 2025, his base salary increases to $4.9 million.