Clase and Ortiz, without salary while MLB betting case advances

CLEVELAND, USA — Dominican pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz, members of the Cleveland Guardians, will remain on administrative leave without pay while awaiting the development of a judicial process linked to an alleged illegal gambling case in Major League Baseball.

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Major League Baseball reported that the measure was adopted through an agreement with the players’ union, clarifying that the change of status does not constitute an admission of guilt on the part of the players.

Both relievers had initially been placed on paid leave in July 2025, when the investigations began. However, the situation took a turn after the legal process advanced, which now keeps them out of action and without receiving income.

According to the accusations, Clase would be involved in the manipulation of pitches in multiple matches between 2023 and 2025, allegedly in coordination with bettors. Investigations indicate that these actions would have generated profits close to 400 thousand dollars on betting platforms. Ortiz, for his part, would have been linked to the scheme in June 2025. The star closer has rejected the charges and pleaded not guilty before federal justice. As part of the judicial measures, he surrendered his passport, was restricted to travel within certain states, and is under monitoring. The case has generated great attention within professional baseball, not only because of the seriousness of the accusations, but also because of the impact it could have on the integrity of the game. In sports, Emmanuel Clase was consolidating as one of the best closers in Major League Baseball, especially standing out in the 2024 season, while Luis Ortiz had shown consistency as part of the team’s pitching staff. The league indicated that it will not offer further comments until the investigation concludes, while both players await the judicial outcome.