Guardians Pitchers Clase, Ortiz on Leave Amid Gambling Probe
BREAKING: Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz will remain on nondisciplinary paid leave “until further notice” as a major gambling investigation unfolds, according to a statement from Major League Baseball (MLB) released on Sunday. The investigation is centered around suspicious betting activities linked to Ortiz during two Guardians games in June.
MLB’s announcement comes as the league, in conjunction with the players’ association, agreed to extend the leave for both pitchers. The statement emphasized, “We will not comment further until the investigation has been completed,” underscoring the seriousness of the situation.
The inquiry was triggered by unusual betting interest in individual pitches thrown by Ortiz. Reports indicate that a sportsbook flagged “suspicious betting” on the first pitch of the second inning during a game against the Seattle Mariners on June 15 and again in the third inning of a game against the St. Louis Cardinals on June 27. In both instances, Ortiz’s first pitch was a slider that missed the strike zone by a significant margin.
On June 27, IC360, an integrity firm monitoring betting activity, alerted clients about the irregularities involving Ortiz’s pitches. Following these revelations, Ortiz was placed on paid leave on July 3. Shortly after, closer Emmanuel Clase joined him on leave on July 28, raising questions about the integrity of the Guardians’ pitching staff amid a critical time in the season.
The Ohio Casino Control Commission, which oversees the state’s sports betting market, is also investigating the situation independently of MLB. Reports indicate that while betting on individual pitches is a niche market, some sportsbooks continue to offer such options despite regulations in states like New Jersey and Ohio aimed at prohibiting them.
This ongoing investigation comes at a pivotal moment for the Guardians, who are currently three games back in the American League wild-card race. The uncertainty surrounding the team’s pitching staff could have significant implications for their playoff aspirations.
As the investigation develops, both Clase and Ortiz remain on leave, and fans are left anxiously awaiting updates. The situation raises broader questions about the intersection of sports integrity and gambling, particularly as states continue to navigate the evolving landscape of sports betting.
Stay tuned for the latest updates on this urgent story as it unfolds.
