Guardians Pitchers Clase and Ortiz Won't Be Paid During MLB Probe

Indicted players won't receive salaries as league investigates pitch-rigging allegations

Mar. 21, 2026 at 4:09am

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Major League Baseball announced that Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz will remain on non-disciplinary leave without pay while the league continues its investigation into allegations that the players accepted payoffs to help gamblers win bets. Clase and Ortiz were indicted on federal charges in November 2026 and are scheduled to go to trial in May, but the start of any potential MLB suspensions would be retroactive to opening day if they are suspended.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing efforts by MLB to crack down on any potential corruption or match-fixing within the sport, which can undermine the integrity of the game. The Guardians will avoid having to pay the players' salaries during the investigation, which could have a significant financial impact on the team.

The details

Clase was placed on paid leave last July 3 and Ortiz on July 28, and they received their salaries for the remainder of the 2025 season while they did not pitch. However, under the new agreement between MLB and the players' union, Clase and Ortiz will now remain on non-disciplinary leave without pay until the investigation is completed. If either player is ultimately suspended by MLB, the suspension would be retroactive to opening day 2026.

  • Clase was placed on paid leave on July 3, 2025.
  • Ortiz was placed on paid leave on July 28, 2025.
  • Clase and Ortiz were indicted on federal charges on November 9, 2026.
  • Their trial is scheduled for May 4, 2026, but could be delayed.

The players

Emmanuel Clase

A three-time All-Star and two-time American League Reliever of the Year for the Cleveland Guardians.

Luis Ortiz

A Cleveland Guardians pitcher who was also indicted on federal charges related to the pitch-rigging allegations.

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What they’re saying

“As the legal proceedings involving Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz continue to move forward, MLB and the MLBPA have agreed that both players will remain on non-disciplinary leave from the club without pay until further notice.”

— Major League Baseball

“This agreement is not an admission of any wrongdoing by Clase or Ortiz. MLB has been closely monitoring the matter since alerting federal law enforcement at the outset of its investigation and will have no further comment until its investigation has been completed.”

— Major League Baseball

What’s next

The judge will decide on May 4, 2026 whether to delay the trial for Clase and Ortiz. If the trial proceeds as scheduled, the outcome could determine if MLB suspends the players and whether they receive any back pay.

The takeaway

This case highlights MLB's continued efforts to maintain the integrity of the sport by swiftly investigating any allegations of corruption or match-fixing. The decision to withhold pay from Clase and Ortiz during the investigation shows the league's commitment to upholding its rules and protecting the game's reputation, even against high-profile players.