Closer Emmanuel Clase has been placed on administrative leave by the Cleveland Guardians as part of MLB’s sports-betting investigation, per reports
Cleveland Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase has been placed on administrative leave by the team due to Major League Baseball’s investigation into sports betting, per reports.
This throws a wrinkle into the trade deadline drama, as the Guardians, who are 8 games back in their division and 3.5 games back of the third Wild Card spot, are seen as a likely seller. Clase is under team control through 2028, so Cleveland doesn’t have to move him, but in a market where relievers are much in demand, Clase has been talked about as someone who could get dealt if the right offer came along. It would seem like he is now essentially off the market.
Clase has a 3.23 ERA in 48 appearances this year for the Guardians, with a 2.67 FIP. Acquired by Cleveland along with Delino DeShields the Younger in exchange for Corey Kluber prior to the 2020 season, Clase missed 2020 due to a PED suspension. Since returning to action in 2021, Clase has put up a 1.84 ERA in 336 innings over 345 games, with a 2.36 FIP.
Clase is the second player on the Guardians to be put on administrative leave (which is paid) due to this investigation. Pitcher Luis Ortiz was placed on leave earlier this month, and is still on the administrative leave list.