Overview
- Dominican winter league officials rejected roster registrations for Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz with Estrellas Orientales, a move reported as independent of MLB.
- Both pitchers have been on non-disciplinary paid leave since July after betting-integrity monitors flagged suspicious activity tied to two Ortiz pitches in June.
- MLB insider Héctor Gómez posted that evidence against Clase is “irrefutable” and said he will never pitch in MLB again, a claim not confirmed by the league.
- MLB has not announced findings or discipline, leaving Ortiz’s status unresolved and the overall outcome of the investigation pending.
- Clase is a three-time All-Star closer with multiple league-leading save seasons and a $20 million 2025 salary with club options, while Cleveland’s bullpen shuffle included a short stint by Carlos Hernández, who has since elected free agency.