BREAKING: Emmanuel Clase Placed on Investigative Leave

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Cleveland Guardians star closer Emmanuel Clase has been placed on investigative leave through August 31st, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN.

BREAKING: Cleveland Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase has been placed on non-disciplinary paid leave as part of MLB’s sports-betting investigation, sources tell ESPN.

Clase is the second Guardians pitcher on leave tied to the investigation, joining right-hander Luis Ortiz.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 28, 2025

This comes amid the investigation of Guardians’ RHP Luis Ortiz, making Clase the second Cleveland player under investigation.

pic.twitter.com/4NaA6a5Vda

— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) July 28, 2025

The Guardians released a statement saying, “The Guardians have been notified by Major League Baseball that as part of their sports betting investigation, Emmanuel Clase has been placed on non-disciplinary paid leave per an agreement with the Players Association. We have been informed that no additional players or Club personnel are expected to be impacted. 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.”

It is very well known throughout the league that sports betting is strictly against the rules, and MLB has come down harshly on players in the past. In 2024, former Padres and Pirates INF Tucupita Marcano was given a lifetime ban from MLB for betting on games while he recovered from an injury.

In a different situation, Clase and Ortiz have been playing and potentially have altered their performance for a bet to be cashed, so a harsh sentence, such as a lifetime ban, could be in play.

This is not the first time Clase has been in trouble with the league, as he was suspended 80 games in 2020 due to a failed PED test. He did not pitch at all in the 2020 season due to this suspension.

Clase had been having a “down” year to some, still pitching to a 3.23 ERA with 47 K and 24 SV in 47.1 IP. Last season’s AL Reliever of the Year winner has a career ERA of 1.88 with 182 SV at only 27 years old.

Clase will also be removed from the team’s 40-man roster while on leave.

This has huge implications for the Guardians’ plan at the trade deadline, as the closer was under team control through the 2028 season, and had he been traded, would have netted the team a huge haul in return. Instead, his value has completely evaporated as questions arise on whether or not he will play another game in MLB.

LHP Tim Herrin has been recalled from Triple-A Columbus, and Cade Smith will now likely take over the closing duties in Cleveland. Smith has been excellent since his debut in 2024, posting a 2.33 ERA with 168 K in 12o IP.

Smith’s name has also been brought up in trade rumors, but now it looks even more unclear as Cleveland will have to shift its deadline plans.

The Guardians currently sit at 52-53, eight games back of the division-leading Detroit Tigers in the AL Central. They are also three and a half games back of the Seattle Mariners and Texas Rangers for the third wild card spot.

About Post Author

Michael Bodzenta

Growing up in Cleveland, Ohio, I fell in love with sports from a young age. Whether I was playing them throughout high school or in the yard with my friends, I knew I had found something I loved. Watching them was also a main part of my childhood, as I could name almost every player on all three Cleveland sports teams. Talking about sports is something I can do for hours, so as I got older, I quickly realized that I knew what I wanted to do. I started writing about sports and talking about sports in high school. It was fun and easy for me. My dream goal would be to become baseball analyst, covering breaking news and other stories in the sport. I've written numerous articles about sports including the Browns and the Guardians. I currently write for Kent Wired, where I expanded my knowledge to cover Health and Fitness. I have experience with Adobe Photoshop, Premier, and Audition. I work as the social media manager/representative for the Kent State Club Baseball team creating graphics mostly on Instagram and some on Twitter (X) . The goal of this is to get more engagement for the team, create awareness, and raise money. I also currently coach for a 17u travel baseball organization (Midwest Stars) out of Hudson, Ohio. Through this I have been able to continue my love for the game, give back to the community, and strengthen my leadership qualities. My passion for sports especially baseball remains unquestioned and I strive to continue to report on something I love.

mbodzent@kent.edu

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