Cleveland Guardians Pitchers on Leave Amid MLB Investigation
The Cleveland Guardians’ pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz are currently not receiving pay as Major League Baseball (MLB) continues its investigation into alleged involvement in a pitch-rigging scheme for gamblers. Both players are on non-disciplinary leave.
Ortiz went on paid leave on July 3, followed by Clase on July 28, during which they continued to receive their salaries despite not playing for the rest of the season. On November 9, both were indicted on federal charges, with a trial initially set for May 4 that might face delays.
MLB released a statement on Friday: “As the legal proceedings involving Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz continue to move forward, MLB and the MLBPA have agreed that both players will remain on non-disciplinary leave from the club without pay until further notice.” The statement further clarified, “This agreement is not an admission of any wrongdoing by Clase or Ortiz.”
In case of a suspension, it will be applied retroactively to opening day, as informed by a source familiar with the negotiations. If the players are not suspended, they will receive back pay for missed days.
The source provided details on anonymity as those specifics have not been officially announced.
Clase, who signed a $20 million, five-year contract, is set to earn $6 million in 2026, the last guaranteed year of his contract. Ortiz, lacking a 2026 contract, could be offered one if removed from the restricted list, with his salary expected to align with the major league minimum of approximately $780,000.
The charges against Clase and Ortiz include accusations of accepting payments to assist gamblers from the Dominican Republic in winning over $460,000 through prop bets and parlays related to pitch velocity and outcomes. The charges include wire fraud conspiracy and conspiracy to influence sporting contests.
Both players have pleaded not guilty in Brooklyn federal court. Clase is recognized as a three-time All-Star and two-time American League Reliever of the Year.
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