Guardians’ Pitchers Remain on Indefinite Leave Amid Gambling Investigation
MLB has revealed that Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz will remain on non-disciplinary paid leave “until further notice” due to a continuing gambling investigation. The decision was made on Sunday following an agreement between the league and the players' association.
Ortiz was first placed on leave on July 3 after two pitches from June were flagged by a betting-integrity company due to suspicious betting activity. One pitch occurred during a game against the Seattle Mariners on June 15, when Ortiz’s first pitch of the second inning was bet on to result in a ball or a hit batter. The other occurrence was highlighted during the third inning of a matchup against the St. Louis Cardinals on June 27. Both were sliders thrown outside the strike zone.
Emmanuel Clase was put on leave on July 28 after a similar betting pattern was detected. The Ohio Casino Control Commission, which regulates the state’s sports betting market, is also conducting its own review alongside MLB.
"MLB and the MLBPA have agreed to extend the non-disciplinary paid leave of Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz until further notice while MLB continues its investigation. We will not comment further until the investigation has been completed," the Guardians said in a statement posted on X.
The situation follows a series of gambling-related sanctions in baseball, as last year, Padres infielder Tucupita Marcano received a lifetime ban for betting on Pirates games. As well, MLB pitchers Michael Kelly, Andrew Saalfrank, Jay Groome, and infielder Jose Rodriguez were each suspended one year for betting on other teams.
NBA star still under fire
In a separate case, NBA guard Malik Beasley is no longer considered a target of a Department of Justice (DOJ) investigation into possible illegal gambling, according to his representatives. While this is a positive development, it does not guarantee Beasley is free from legal or league scrutiny.
Beasley was allegedly under federal review for betting irregularities during the 2023-2024 season.
Investigators observed unusual prop bet activity around his rebound statistics, with sportsbooks noting atypical betting patterns. His attorneys, Steve Haney and Mike Schachter, said they held extensive conversations and meetings with prosecutors in the Eastern District of New York. Haney confirmed that Beasley “remains uncharged and is not the target of this investigation.”
Despite this, Beasley could still be viewed as a subject or witness, categories that allow the DOJ to question individuals or introduce them as evidence in other cases. Even without facing criminal charges, Beasley could still face penalties from the NBA if found to violate league rules.
Beasley’s status will be evaluated heavily on his prospects, including reported contract talks worth $42 million.
