Guardians Closers Out Amid MLB Betting Probe

Cleveland Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase has been placed on non-disciplinary paid leave through at least August 31, 2025, amid a Major League Baseball investigation into sports betting, joining teammate Luis Ortiz, who was sidelined earlier due to flagged betting activity. MLB and the Guardians state no other team members are implicated, and neither pitcher is considered under disciplinary action at this stage, but both are barred from games while the investigation is ongoing. Clase, a three-time All-Star and top closer, had been a significant trade target, and his absence impacts both the Guardians' playoff hopes and the bullpen market. Ortiz's case relates to suspicious betting on specific pitches, though details about Clase's involvement remain undisclosed. In response to recent suspensions and a lifetime ban for other players, MLB has increased monitoring of sports gambling. The Guardians, currently in playoff contention, will use a closer-by-committee approach while awaiting further updates.