Santo Domingo – The Cleveland Guardians have taken an unexpected measure this Friday, emptying the lockers of Dominican pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz. This action comes amid an ongoing investigation into alleged bets involving both players.
The news, initially reported, has generated surprise in the baseball world. Neither Clase nor Ortiz have been traded after the transaction deadline in the Major Leagues. Both remain suspended with pay, at least until August 31, while the team continues its home series against the Minnesota Twins.
The absence of Clase represents a hard blow for Cleveland’s bullpen. The stellar closer, three-time All-Star, has 181 saves and an ERA of 1.88 in his five seasons with the franchise. He was on track for his fourth consecutive season with 40 or more saves and has a contract in effect until 2026 for 6.4 million dollars, with team options for 2027 and 2028. It should be noted that in 2020, Clase was suspended for the use of boldenone, a banned substance.
For his part, Luis Ortiz was sanctioned on July 3rd after two suspicious pitches were detected in games on June 15th and 27th. Since his debut in 2022, the right-hander has participated in 75 games —50 of them as a starter—, with a record of 16-22 and an ERA of 4.05.
Cleveland’s decision has raised questions, especially considering the interest that several teams had shown in acquiring an elite closer like Clase before the market closed. This occurs in a context where other prominent relievers like Mason Miller, Jhoan Durán, and David Bednar changed teams.
