Guardians' Emmanuel Clase Placed on Paid Leave Amid MLB Betting Investigation

Emmanuel Clase has become the second Cleveland Guardians pitcher to be investigated by MLB for sports betting.

MLB announced on Monday that Clase has been placed on paid leave while the investigation is ongoing.

The Athletic's Zack Meisel added Clase's leave will run through August 31.

Clase joins Luis Ortiz on non-disciplinary paid leave as part of the investigation. Ortiz was first put on the list on July 3 and had his leave extended two weeks later through Aug. 31.

Per ESPN's David Purdum and Jeff Passan, the investigation into Ortiz was triggered due to "unusual gambling activity" around two pitches he threw in two separate games that were flagged by a betting integrity firm.

There's no indication at this point about what specifically triggered the investigation into Clase.

One big factor in Monday's announcement is that it takes Clase off the board as a potential trade candidate prior to Thursday's deadline. He had been a popular candidate to be dealt, though there was a lot of uncertainty that the Guardians would actually move him during the season.

Depending on the outcome of the investigation, Clase figures to be the subject of trade rumors again in the offseason. His value was likely to be relatively low even before this situation.

The three-time All-Star has the highest ERA (3.23) and WHIP (1.23) of his career in 48 appearances this season. He has also blown more saves (five) in 2025 than he did in all of 2024 (three).

Clase is signed through next season with a $6.4 million salary in 2026, plus two $10 million team options for 2027 and 2028.