The Cleveland Guardians will be without another important arm as they try to chase down the Detroit Tigers for the AL Central crown this summer.
All-Star closer Emmanuel Clase has been placed non-disciplinary paid leave through August 31st as a result of Major League Baseball’s investigation into sports gambling involving members of the team. Clase is the 2nd Guardians player to be placed on leave as a result of gambling probes this season joining RHP Luis Ortiz who has flagged on July 3rd.
“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,” the team said in a prepared statement. “We will not comment further until the investigation has been completed.”
The 27 years old is a 3x All-Star, who finished 3rd in AL Cy Young voting last season after posting a 0.61 ERA across 74.1IP. Although he hasn’t been as effective this year, Clase remains one of the top relief pitchers in the Major Leagues, and was also a potential trade candidate if the Guardians opted to be sellers at this week’s trade deadline.
“You’re shocked, you’re upset, you’re frustrated. But I thought our guys, they did fine,” Manager Stephen Vogt said. “It was a long day for our guys, for everybody. So we’re ready to get here tomorrow and get back after it.”
In the interim, Cade Smith appears to be the favourite for saves while MLB continues its investigation. However he struggled out of the gates on Monday, blowing his first save opportunity since Clase’s leave was announced as the Rockies plated 4 runs in the 9th inning to hand Cleveland an 8-6 loss.
Left-handed reliever Tim Herrin was recalled from Triple-A Columbus as the corresponding move for Clase being placed on leave. The Guardians will look to get back on track Tuesday as they continue their series vs. Colorado in a 6:40pm ET showdown.
Photo: Erik Drost. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.