Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase placed on paid leave in connection with MLB sports-gambling investigation

 

Cleveland Guardians All-Star closer Emmanuel Clase has been placed on non-disciplinary paid leave through August 31 as part of a Major League Baseball investigation into suspicious sports gambling activity. This makes him the second Guardians pitcher to be placed on leave in connection with a sports gambling probe, following right-hander Luis Ortiz, who is also on non-disciplinary leave through the same date.

   

MLB's rules strictly prohibit players from betting on any professional or amateur baseball games, including MLB, Minor League, international, college, high school, and youth games. This extends to events like Home Run Derbies, All-Star Games, and fantasy baseball. Betting on baseball games can lead to a one-year suspension, while betting on games in which a player is involved can result in permanent ineligibility.

Players are allowed to place legal bets on sporting events other than baseball in jurisdictions where such bets are legal, provided they are eligible to place the wager. However, they are prohibited from using or sharing inside information, working with illegal betting operators, or failing to report suspicious betting activity.

 

The Guardians have stated that they have been informed that no additional players or club personnel are expected to be impacted by the investigation and are cooperating fully with the league's confidential process.