Cleveland Guardians’ star closer Emmanuel Clase has been placed on non-disciplinary paid leave until August 31, while Major League Baseball (MLB) conducts an investigation related to sports betting. The league issued an official statement on Monday informing about the situation.
Class joins Luis Ortiz, the team’s opener, who was placed on non-disciplinary leave on July 3rd, also with a suspension extended until August 31st. Both players are involved in the same investigation. The Cleveland Guardians issued a brief statement following the MLB announcement.“According to an agreement with the MLBPA, Guardians pitcher Emmanuel Clase has been placed on non-disciplinary paid leave until the games of August 31, while MLB continues its investigation into sports betting. We will make no further comment until the investigation has been completed.”
MLB
“We have been notified by MLB that, as part of its investigation into sports betting, Emmanuel Clase has been placed on paid non-disciplinary leave under an agreement with the Players Association. We have been informed that no other players or club personnel are expected to be affected. The Guardians are not authorized to make further comment at this time and will respect the league’s confidential investigation process as we continue to fully cooperate.”
Cleveland GuardiansDuring the leave period, Clase and Ortiz can maintain contact with the organization, but they do not have access to the team’s facilities. In his fifth season with Cleveland, Clase has recorded an ERA of 3.23 in 47.1 innings pitched in 48 appearances. MLB has not provided additional details and no further official statements are expected until the investigation concludes.
