Cleveland Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase has been placed on non-disciplinary paid leave, which runs until August 31, as part of Major League Baseball’s investigation into sports betting. The three-time All-Star is the second Guardians pitcher on leave related to a gambling investigation, joining right-handed pitcher Luis Ortiz, who is in the same situation and in the same investigation period.
It was not clear whether the cases were related in any way, but the team management said in a statement that “they have been informed that no other players or club staff are expected to be affected”. Cleveland is in the middle of a series against the Colorado Rockies since Monday night where they currently occupy second place in the American League Central Division with a 52-53 record.
Emmanuel Clase’s suspension revives Shohei Ohtani case
Shohei Ohtani received an unexpected wake-up call from many fans. However, the case of the Japanese pitcher/batter had a different outcome. According to the courts, it was actually his interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, who used a considerable amount of Ohtani’s funds to finance his severe gambling addiction. Mizuhara is estimated to have stolen more than $17 million from Ohtani’s bank account.
Ohtani’s confidant pleaded guilty to his crimes in February 2025 and was sentenced to four years and nine months in prison. Shohei Ohtani and the Dodgers moved on and hired Will Ireton to accompany Ohtani in his media interactions and press conferences. In reaction to the news, many fans mentioned the Japanese star’s gambling investigation case, where there are allegations where Mizuhara let himself be incriminated to save Shohei Ohtani from a scandal, which would involve the Los Angeles team and MLB itself.
MLB takes strong measures against sports betting
When comparing that to the case that Ortiz and Clase are currently involved in, fans were quick to point out how MLB is apparently applying a stricter set of rules in this case. It is worth remembering that the Ohtani/Mizhura case was detected in 2024, but it was a year later when MLB authorities opened an investigation file. Now, in the same situation as Clase and Ortiz, fans are questioning: “They were quick to put him on leave. Where was that energy for Ohtani?”, said one fan.
Social media comments continued with opinions such as: “Just pull Ohtani’s card, it was just his translator”; “Player Ohtani was never suspended”; “But when Ohtani does it, they cover it up”; “If only he had a translator to save himself”; “He should have had an interpreter on the payroll to cover up his crimes”.
How did the investigation into Shohei Ohtani’s game end?
Shohei Ohtani, who found himself at the center of a major investigation shortly after joining the Los Angeles Dodgers as a free agent, was finally cleared of any wrongdoing after about three months.
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