Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz have been moved to unpaid leave as they await trial for allegedly rigging pitches. The relievers were initially on paid non-disciplinary leave when the investigation began. MLB stated that this move is not an admission of wrongdoing and will not comment further until the investigation is complete.
Clase is accused of throwing suspicious pitches to benefit gamblers in at least 48 games. He has pleaded not guilty to charges of taking bribes and was released on $600,000 bond. Bettors allegedly won $400,000 from betting on his pitches between 2023 and 2025. Ortiz joined the scheme in June 2025.
Clase, who signed a five-year, $20 million deal in 2022, and Ortiz, making the veteran minimum, are now on unpaid leave as the World Series approaches.