Cleveland Guardians closing pitcher Emmanuel Clase has been placed on non-disciplinary paid leave as part of a Major League Baseball investigation into sports betting (according to a report from ESPN’s Jeff Passan).
Clase joins fellow relief pitcher Luis Ortiz on leave, who are both tied to the same investigation. Ortiz is on non-disciplinary leave through Aug. 31.
The Guardians addressed the issue in a statement on Monday: “The Guardians have been notified by Major League Baseball that as part of their sports betting investigation Emmanuel Clase has been placed on non-disciplinary paid leave per an agreement with the Players Association. We have been informed that no additional players or Club personnel are expected to be impacted. The Guardians are not permitted to comment further at this time, and will respect the league’s confidential investigative process as we continue to fully cooperate.”
MLB said in a statement that Clase had been placed on leave per an agreement with the players’ association while the league “continues its sports betting investigation.” It declined further comment.
The 27-year-old Clase is 5-3 with 24 saves in 48 games this year, with a career-high 3.23 ERA. The right-hander led the AL in saves in each of the previous three years.
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