Clase placed on leave amid gambling probe

NEW YORK (AFP) — Cleveland Guardians closing relief pitcher Emmanuel Clase was placed on non-disciplinary paid leave through 31 August on Monday as part of Major League Baseball’s (MLB) investigation into sports gambling.

Clase becomes the second Guardians player placed on paid leave as part of the sports betting probe, with starting pitcher Luis Ortiz going on the list on 3 July and having his leave extended 10 days ago to 31 August.

“Per an agreement with the MLBPA (players union), Cleveland Guardians pitcher Emmanuel Clase has been placed on non-disciplinary paid leave through games on August 31 while MLB continues its sports betting investigation,” an MLB statement said.

“We will not comment further until the investigation has been completed.”

Clase, a 27-year-old Dominican right-hander in his fifth season with the Guardians. The three-time American League All-Star has led the league in saves in each of the past three campaigns and this year has 24 saves and a 5-3 record with a 3.23 earned-run average and 47 strikeouts over 47 1/3 innings over 48 appearances.

Ortiz, a 26-year-old Dominican right-hander obtained in a trade with Pittsburgh last December, is 4-9 this season with a 4.36 earned-run average with 96 strikeouts in 16 appearances this season.

Both Ortiz and Clase are allowed contact with the organization while on leave, but they are not permitted at team facilities.

The Guardians said no other players or team personnel are expected to be impacted by the investigation.

“We have been informed that no additional players or club personnel are expected to be impacted,” the team said in a statement.

“The Guardians are not permitted to comment further at this time and will respect the league’s confidential investigative process as we continue to fully cooperate.”