The Cleveland Guardians face another setback as their star closer Emmanuel Clase has been placed on non-disciplinary leave following an MLB gambling investigation. This unexpected development comes just days before the MLB trade deadline, complicating trade negotiations for the team.
Clase joins teammate Luis Ortiz on leave, leaving the Guardians without two key pitchers in crucial moments of the season. With Clase sidelined through at least August 31, the team’s plans around his potential trade have been forced to a halt.
Trade Discussions Were Active Before Scandal Emerged
Before the gambling allegations surfaced, Emmanuel Clase was considered a top trade candidate for the Guardians this season. Cleveland had been actively seeking to move the three-time All-Star to strengthen their position as sellers ahead of the deadline.
According to Jim Bowden of The Athletic, who appeared on the show Foul Territory, the Guardians were heavily involved in trade talks for Clase.
He was going to get traded. There’s no doubt,
Bowden said.
[The Guardians] have been working six weeks at moving Emmanuel Clase, and they were in a really strong position as sellers. They decided to sell, and that’s direction they were going, and Clase was going to be the headliner at this trade deadline for him.
—Jim Bowden, Baseball Analyst
While it remains unclear how the investigation will ultimately affect Clase’s trade viability, there is no question that Cleveland had received interest from several teams before the news broke.
Clase’s Performance Before the Suspension
Emmanuel Clase began the season with some struggles but quickly regained form. Over 47.1 innings pitched this season, he has a solid 3.23 ERA, allowing 46 hits and striking out 47 batters. His recent performance had strengthened his value in the eyes of potential trade partners.
Clase’s 2023 turnaround follows a remarkable 2022 campaign, where he posted an exceptional 0.61 ERA and a 0.659 WHIP, finishing third in the American League Cy Young Award voting. His dominance on the mound made him a key asset for the Guardians.
Implications for Guardians’ Trade Strategy and Future
This gambling investigation and consequent leave of absence substantially complicate the Guardians’ strategy heading into the trade deadline. With Clase unavailable, the team loses leverage in negotiations, reducing options to reshape their roster through trades.
The impact extends beyond trade considerations; it challenges Cleveland’s bullpen reliability for the remainder of the season. The situation demands careful navigation by the Guardians’ management and coaching staff as they move forward.
How the Guardians respond to this crisis and manage their roster will be critical in the coming weeks—not only for their trade deadline plans but also for their competitive chances in the American League.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What tattoo does Emmanuel Clase have?
A. Over a span of six months, Emmanuel Clase was almost unbeatable. He performed exceptionally well, much like the impressive lightning bolt tattoo now on his neck.
Q. What ethnicity is Emmanuel Clase?
A. Emmanuel Clase, whose last name is pronounced “closs-AY,” was born on March 18, 1998. He is a baseball pitcher from the Dominican Republic. Clase currently plays for the Cleveland Guardians in Major League Baseball (MLB). Before joining them, he made his MLB debut in 2019 with the Texas Rangers.