MLB Extends Class and Ortiz Administrative Leave
Major League Baseball announced this Sunday the indefinite extension of the administrative leave for Dominican pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz, who are under investigation for their alleged connection to sports betting. The decision, made jointly by the Commissioner’s Office and the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA), keeps both players off the field “until further notice.” Although it does not imply a formal sanction, this measure generates uncertainty about the immediate future of two key pieces of the Cleveland Guardians’ bullpen. Clase, 26 years old, is considered one of the most outstanding closers in baseball in recent years. Leader in saves in the American League in 2022, 2023 and 2024, he was placed on leave on July 28. At that time, he had accumulated 24 saves with an ERA of 3.23. In his absence, Canadian Cade Smith has taken on the role of closer, while Cleveland remains in the fight for a wild card spot. For his part, Ortiz, acquired from Pittsburgh in the previous offseason, was removed from the roster on July 3, just before a game against the Cubs at Wrigley Field. MLB is investigating whether the right-handed pitcher influenced “prop bets” on games in which he participated. Before the suspension, Ortiz had a 4-9 record with a 4.36 ERA in 16 starts.Although the license was initially extended until August 31, the current situation suggests that both players might not return to action for the remainder of the season, which ends on September 28.
This case adds to MLB’s growing concern about the relationship between players and gambling, a topic that has garnered attention in the baseball world.
