Guardians Pitchers Remain on Unpaid Leave Amid Gambling Probe

Cleveland's Clase and Ortiz await November trial on alleged pitch-rigging scheme

Mar. 21, 2026 at 6:07pm

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The Cleveland Guardians will be without pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz to start the 2026 season, as the two players remain on non-disciplinary leave without pay amid an investigation into an alleged gambling scheme. The Guardians overcame their absences last year to win the AL Central, but the continued legal issues surrounding Clase and Ortiz could pose a challenge as the team looks to return to the playoffs.

Why it matters

The Guardians' pitching staff was significantly impacted by the Clase and Ortiz situation last season, and their continued absence could hinder the team's chances of repeating as division champions. The alleged gambling scheme also raises integrity concerns for Major League Baseball.

The details

According to reports, Clase and Ortiz will remain on non-disciplinary leave but will not be paid until their trial, which is scheduled for November. The two pitchers were initially placed on paid leave last season due to the investigation into their potential involvement in a pitch-rigging scheme. While the Guardians were able to overcome their absences and win the AL Central in 2025, their continued unavailability to start the 2026 season could pose a challenge for the team.

  • The Guardians pitchers will go on trial on May 4, 2026.
  • Clase and Ortiz were initially placed on paid leave during the 2025 season.

The players

Emmanuel Clase

A Guardians pitcher who is under investigation for his alleged involvement in a gambling scheme.

Luis Ortiz

A Guardians pitcher who is also under investigation for his alleged involvement in a gambling scheme.

Cleveland Guardians

The Major League Baseball team that employs Clase and Ortiz, and is dealing with the fallout from the gambling investigation.

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What they’re saying

“Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz will remain on non-disciplinary leave, but will not be paid until further notice as they await a November trial for charges tied to an alleged pitch-rigging scheme.”

— Zack Meisel and Evan Drellich, Reporters

What’s next

The Guardians will have to navigate the start of the 2026 season without Clase and Ortiz, as the two pitchers await their November trial on charges related to the alleged gambling scheme.

The takeaway

The Guardians' pitching depth will be tested as they try to repeat as AL Central champions without two key members of their staff. The gambling investigation also raises broader concerns about the integrity of the game, which the league will need to address.