CLEVELAND, U.S.A. – Dominican pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz, key figures for the Cleveland Guardians, will remain on administrative leave without pay.
The measure comes as they await the course of a judicial process related to an alleged case of illegal betting in MLB.
The Major League Baseball announced that this decision was made in agreement with the players’ union. It was emphasized that this change of status does not imply an admission of guilt on the part of the players.
Initially, both relievers were placed on paid leave in July 2025, at which time investigations began. The situation took a new turn as the legal process progressed, resulting in their absence from action and the suspension of their income.
According to the accusations, Clase would be involved in the manipulation of pitches in several matches between 2023 and 2025, allegedly in collaboration with bettors. Investigations suggest that these actions would have generated profits of approximately 400 thousand dollars on betting platforms.
On the other hand, Ortiz would have been linked to the scheme in June 2025.
The prominent closer has denied the charges and pleaded not guilty in federal court. As part of the judicial measures, he surrendered his passport, was restricted from traveling to certain states, and is under supervision.
This case has generated great interest in the field of professional baseball, not only because of the seriousness of the accusations, but also because of the possible consequences for the integrity of the game.
In sports, Emmanuel Clase had established himself as one of the most prominent closers in Major League Baseball, particularly during the 2024 season, while Luis Ortiz had shown consistency as part of the team’s pitching staff.
The league has indicated that it will not issue further comments until the investigation concludes, while both players await the outcome of the judicial process.
