Guardians Release Statement on Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz Investigation
The Cleveland Guardians have reiterated their full cooperation with Major League Baseball amid the ongoing investigation involving pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz.
A major storyline during the Guardians’ 2025 season has been the league’s probe into alleged gambling activity involving the two pitchers. Unfortunately, there’s still no end in sight to MLB’s inquiry.
On Sunday morning, MLB announced that Clase and Ortiz will remain on non-disciplinary, paid administrative leave through the end of the 2025 regular season.
“MLB and the MLBPA have agreed to extend the non-disciplinary paid leave of Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz until further notice while MLB continues its investigation. We will not comment further until the investigation has been completed,” the league said in a statement.
Shortly afterward, the Guardians issued a response, stating:
“We have been informed of the extension and will continue to fully cooperate with the investigation.”
The organization’s stance remains unchanged — full cooperation with the league’s efforts since the initial developments.
Luis Ortiz was first placed on leave on July 3, the same day he was scheduled to start. In his debut season with Cleveland, he started 16 games, posting a 4.36 ERA and 1.38 WHIP.
Clase was placed on leave July 28, just before the MLB trade deadline. He was the subject of significant trade speculation, and the Guardians may have missed out on a major return, especially since less dominant relievers were moved for considerable value.
According to The Athletic’s Zack Meisel, Cleveland remains financially responsible for both pitchers’ contracts during this period, adding further complications for the front office as they navigate the uncertainty.
This marks the third time Ortiz’s leave has been extended and the second extension for Clase. With no clear timeline for a resolution, it remains unclear when MLB will wrap up the investigation.
For everyone involved, the hope is that this matter is resolved before it drags into the offseason.
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