UPDATE: Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz will remain on nondisciplinary paid leave “until further notice” as a critical gambling investigation continues, Major League Baseball (MLB) confirmed on Sunday. The league, alongside the players’ association, announced the extension of their leaves amid growing concerns over unusual betting activities linked to Ortiz’s performances.
The investigation centers around suspicious betting patterns noted during two Guardians games in June. A sportsbook flagged a concerning trend involving Ortiz’s first pitches, particularly on June 15 against the Seattle Mariners and June 27 against the St. Louis Cardinals. Reports indicate that significant sums were wagered on whether Ortiz’s opening pitch would result in a ball or hit batsman, leading to an alert from integrity firm IC360 due to the unusual betting interest.
Ortiz was placed on leave on July 3, with Clase following suit weeks later on July 28. MLB stated they would refrain from further comments until the investigation concludes, stressing the seriousness of the situation. The Ohio Casino Control Commission is also investigating these activities independently, highlighting the regulatory complexities surrounding sports betting.
Authorities note that betting on individual pitches is a niche market, available through select sportsbooks. While states like New Jersey and Ohio are moving to restrict such betting practices, some sportsbooks continue to allow wagers on pitch outcomes, raising concerns about the integrity of the game.
As the Guardians face significant challenges on the field, currently sitting three games back in the American League wild-card race, the absence of their key pitchers adds another layer of urgency to this developing story. Fans and analysts alike are left wondering how this investigation will impact the team and the broader landscape of sports betting.
Stay tuned as we monitor this situation closely. The implications of the investigation could reshape not only the futures of Clase and Ortiz but also the integrity of betting practices in baseball.
