CLEVELAND, Ohio — The agent for Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase says his client isn’t concerned about being caught in the middle of MLB’s gambling investigation for one reason.
“He told me he doesn’t bet,” agent Kelvin Nova told cleveland.com. “He’s just waiting right now for MLB to make a decision. He’s practicing in the Dominican Republic right now.”
MLB placed Clase and Cleveland teammate Luis Ortiz on non-disciplinary paid leave in July because of suspicious betting activity regarding prop bets when they pitched. Prop bets, or micro bets, are wagers that are made on certain outcomes during a game that don’t necessarily involve the final score.
Nova, who negotiated Clase’s current contract with the Guardians that runs through 2026 with club options for 2027 and 2028, did not know how Clase was ensnared in MLB’s investigation.
“I don’t know,” said Nova. “I can’t talk about this process. It’s an open investigation.”
Clase and Ortiz, if found in violation of MLB’s rules, could face harsh penalties, including lifetime bans.
When asked if Clase was worried about his future, Nova said, “If he says he didn’t do it, there’s nothing to be worried about. They’re doing a big investigation. It’s not just him.”
Did that mean Clase and Ortiz weren’t the only players being investigated?
“I cannot comment about it,” said Nova. “I cannot comment on the case, to be honest about it.”
MLB and the Guardians are on record as saying Clase and Ortiz were the only Cleveland players being investigated.
The investigation has lasted almost four months. Nova said MLB may wait until after the World Series or the winter meetings in December to announce a decision.
MLB placed Ortiz on paid leave on July 3 based on specific betting patterns on certain pitches that he threw. MLB announced on July 28 that Clase was involved in the same investigation for the same reason, according to sources.
Clase was the top closer in baseball from 2022 through 2024. Ortiz, a promising starter acquired from the Pirates in December, made 16 starts for Cleveland. They did not pitch for the rest of the season or postseason, while the Guardians paid their regular-season salary.
The Dominican winter league (LIDOM) refused a request from the Estrellas Orientales to let them play for them this winter. The Orientales are suing LIDOM in an attempt to let them play.
When MLB and the MLB Players Association reached agreement to put Clase and Ortiz on paid leave, there were no restrictions on their playing winter ball in the Dominican because that’s their native country.
However, if they try to play in any other winter league, they need permission from the Guardians.
When the regular season ended, so did the Guardians financial commitment to Ortiz and Clase. They are currently on the restricted list. They do not count on the 40-man roster, and they cannot be traded.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.