CLEVELAND -- Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase has been placed on non-disciplinary paid leave through Aug. 31 “while MLB continues its sports betting investigation,” the league said in a statement on Monday.
The statement reads in full: “Per an agreement with the MLBPA, Cleveland Guardians pitcher Emmanuel Clase has been placed on non-disciplinary paid leave through games on August 31st while MLB continues its sports betting investigation. We will not comment further until the investigation has been completed.”
Left-handed reliever Tim Herrin was recalled from Triple-A Columbus as the corresponding move for Clase being placed on leave.
Guardians starter Luis Ortiz previously was placed on non-disciplinary paid leave through the All-Star break on July 3. His leave was extended through Aug. 31 on July 18.
The Guardians released a statement following the announcement regarding Clase.
“The Guardians have been notified by Major League Baseball that as part of their sports betting investigation Emmanuel Clase has been placed on non-disciplinary paid leave per an agreement with the Players Association. We have been informed that no additional players or Club personnel are expected to be impacted. 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.”
While on leave, Clase and Ortiz are permitted contact with the organization, but they are not allowed access to the team’s facilities.
Clase is in his fifth season with Cleveland. He has recorded a 3.23 ERA in 47 1/3 innings over 48 appearances this season.