The Cleveland Guardians remain at the center of Major League Baseball’s sports-betting investigation, with two pitchers—Luis Ortiz and All-Star closer Emmanuel Clase. Although speculation continues about the scope of the investigation, the organization has stated that no other players are involved.
Clase became the second Cleveland pitcher sidelined, joining Ortiz on MLB’s non-disciplinary list. Both players are on paid leave while the league reviews possible violations of its gambling policy. The situation has sparked widespread attention, particularly with the MLB trade deadline approaching. Clase was previously viewed as one of the most valuable relievers on the market.
The Guardians stated after placing Clase on leave that “no additional players or Club personnel are expected to be impacted.” The team aimed that message at reassuring fans and the broader league community that the issue was limited in scope.
Guardians Refute Claim of Additional Players Being Investigated
On Monday, Dominican baseball reporter Héctor Gómez posted on social media that more Guardians pitchers were under investigation and could be named in the coming days. The tweet quickly gained traction, given the timing and the profile of the players already involved.
However, the report was soon challenged. MLB insider Robert Murray of FanSided cited multiple sources who “adamantly denied” that additional Guardians players were under investigation. According to Murray, only Ortiz and Clase are part of MLB’s current probe.
Major League Baseball has not issued any public statement regarding Gómez’s claim. Until the league announces otherwise, Ortiz and Clase remain the only confirmed Guardians players being reviewed.
Clase’s absence, in particular, is a major blow to Cleveland’s bullpen and trade deadline flexibility. The 27-year-old had been drawing serious interest across the league, thanks partly to a five-year, $20 million deal with two club options. While his 3.23 ERA this season marks a slight regression, he remains one of the most consistent closers in baseball and led the league with 47 saves in 2024.
Sponsorship Tensions Highlight League’s Betting Balance
The investigation has also drawn attention to MLB’s evolving relationship with the sports-betting industry. On the same day Clase was placed on leave, the Guardians’ social media account shared its starting lineup, featuring Bet365 branding prominently. The optics raised concerns among fans and analysts, highlighting the uneasy contrast between league-sanctioned betting partnerships and internal player investigations.
MLB allows teams to engage in sponsorship agreements with regulated sportsbooks, but players and personnel are prohibited from betting on baseball under league policy. The Guardians’ partnership with Bet365 is legal, but the timing of the branding—paired with an ongoing betting probe involving players—sparked online backlash.
For now, no evidence exists that the Guardians violated any league rules regarding their partnership. But the episode underscores MLB teams’ struggle to balance commercial relationships with integrity enforcement.
No disciplinary action has been taken against Clase or Ortiz. Both remain on paid administrative leave while MLB conducts its investigation. The Guardians continue to navigate the uncertainty while staying focused on their postseason push.
The team maintains that only two players are under review. Whether that statement holds depends on the findings of the league’s ongoing investigation.
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