Overview

• Emmanuel Clase became the second Cleveland Guardians pitcher placed on non-disciplinary paid leave through August 31 as MLB’s confidential betting investigation widened
• The probe expanded after unusual prop bets on individual pitches by Luis Ortiz in games against Seattle and St. Louis triggered alerts from integrity partner IC360
• Per an agreement with the Players Association, both Clase and Ortiz are barred from team facilities during their leave but may maintain contact with the organization
• The Guardians stated no additional players or personnel are expected to be impacted and pledged full cooperation with the league’s investigative process
• The league’s heightened measures follow prior betting sanctions in 2024, including a lifetime ban and one-year suspensions, underscoring MLB’s focus on micro-betting integrity