Second Cleveland pitcher linked to suspicious betting; investigation intensifies amid microbetting concerns
CLEVELAND – July 29 – The Major League Baseball (MLB) gambling investigation has expanded as Cleveland Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase was placed on non-disciplinary paid leave, becoming the second player from the franchise entangled in the ongoing probe into suspicious betting activity.
Clase’s leave, which extends through August 31, comes just weeks after pitcher Luis Ortiz was removed from the roster on July 3 following alerts from betting integrity monitors. Ortiz’s flagged wagers were reportedly linked to two pitches-one on June 15 against Seattle and another on June 27 against St. Louis-that drew attention for being notably off-target. The bets were placed from accounts based in New York, New Jersey, and Ohio.
No Further Guardians Personnel Expected to Be Named
In a statement, the Cleveland Guardians said they were informed that “no additional players or club personnel are expected to be impacted.” MLB also confirmed that Clase’s leave was coordinated with the MLB Players Association, but declined to offer further comment while the investigation continues.
Clase, 27, has been a cornerstone of the Guardians’ bullpen, posting a 3.23 ERA and 24 saves across 48 games this season. While still effective, the numbers reflect a dip from his previous All-Star seasons.
Microbetting at Center of MLB’s Integrity Challenges
The Ortiz case initially raised red flags when IC360, a betting integrity firm, detected unusual microbets on specific pitches. Both wagers were on pitches thrown far outside the strike zone-raising suspicions of potential manipulation.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has described microbetting-wagers on individual pitches and moments – as “particularly vulnerable” to integrity breaches, due to its granularity and the ease with which outcomes can be influenced without altering the course of a game.
The league is taking the matter seriously amid an uptick in gambling-related incidents. In June, five players were suspended, including Tucupita Marcano, who received a lifetime ban for placing hundreds of bets on baseball. The crackdown also led to the dismissal of umpire Pat Hoberg, who allegedly shared his sportsbook login and deleted evidence during an internal review.
A Growing Pattern in Pro Sports?
MLB is not alone. Across U.S. professional sports, concerns are growing over how legalized sports betting intersects with player behavior, insider access, and new forms of real-time wagering. As leagues lean further into betting partnerships, maintaining the integrity of the game has become a delicate balancing act.
With the Clase and Ortiz investigations ongoing, MLB’s approach to enforcement may set the tone for future sports betting policy and oversight.