MLB's Guardians Pitchers Remain in the Dark as World Series Looms Over Gambling Probe.
The Cleveland Guardians, who overcame a double-digit deficit to win the American League Central division title just three months ago, continue to face uncertainty surrounding two key pitchers embroiled in a gambling probe. Luis Ortiz and Emmanuel Clase have been on paid leave since July 3 and August 31, respectively, as MLB investigates potential misconduct related to prop bets.
Despite an extended investigation, no update has been provided by the league regarding the status of the pitchers or the outcome of their respective probes. The lack of transparency comes just two days before the World Series is set to begin between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays.
The controversy surrounding Ortiz and Clase dates back to June 15 when Ortiz was involved in a pitching sequence against the Seattle Mariners, prompting a betting integrity firm to flag potential issues with his pitches. Similarly, on June 27, Ortiz spiked another pitch, this time resulting in a ball rather than a strike zone delivery. The firm also flagged unusual betting action involving Clase on multiple occasions.
The ongoing probe has seen both pitchers attempt to continue their careers by participating in the Dominican Winter League, only to be reportedly barred due to the investigation's scope.
In contrast to Ortiz and Clase, Shohei Ohtani avoided any involvement with the league after his former interpreter was accused of embezzling millions from him to pay off debts related to gambling. However, this case served as a stark reminder that the consequences for players found guilty of misconduct can be severe.
With no clear resolution in sight, fans and pundits alike are left wondering about the availability of Ortiz and Clase next season. As one would expect, their futures remain uncertain amidst an ongoing investigation into potential misconduct related to in-game betting activities.
As the 2025 World Series commences, the uncertainty surrounding these two key pitchers casts a shadow over what promises to be a captivating postseason.
The Cleveland Guardians, who overcame a double-digit deficit to win the American League Central division title just three months ago, continue to face uncertainty surrounding two key pitchers embroiled in a gambling probe. Luis Ortiz and Emmanuel Clase have been on paid leave since July 3 and August 31, respectively, as MLB investigates potential misconduct related to prop bets.
Despite an extended investigation, no update has been provided by the league regarding the status of the pitchers or the outcome of their respective probes. The lack of transparency comes just two days before the World Series is set to begin between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays.
The controversy surrounding Ortiz and Clase dates back to June 15 when Ortiz was involved in a pitching sequence against the Seattle Mariners, prompting a betting integrity firm to flag potential issues with his pitches. Similarly, on June 27, Ortiz spiked another pitch, this time resulting in a ball rather than a strike zone delivery. The firm also flagged unusual betting action involving Clase on multiple occasions.
The ongoing probe has seen both pitchers attempt to continue their careers by participating in the Dominican Winter League, only to be reportedly barred due to the investigation's scope.
In contrast to Ortiz and Clase, Shohei Ohtani avoided any involvement with the league after his former interpreter was accused of embezzling millions from him to pay off debts related to gambling. However, this case served as a stark reminder that the consequences for players found guilty of misconduct can be severe.
With no clear resolution in sight, fans and pundits alike are left wondering about the availability of Ortiz and Clase next season. As one would expect, their futures remain uncertain amidst an ongoing investigation into potential misconduct related to in-game betting activities.
As the 2025 World Series commences, the uncertainty surrounding these two key pitchers casts a shadow over what promises to be a captivating postseason.