The Cleveland Guardians already went through much of last season without Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz after the two pitchers became the subject of an MLB gambling investigation. Now they officially know their status as they begin preparing for the 2026 campaign.
After being put on leave by MLB last July, both players will remain sidelined as the matter makes its way through the legal system. Clase, in particular, is facing multiple criminal charges that could result in a lengthy prison term.
For now, the two Guardians pitchers are not allowed to attend spring training, which opens this week.
“While MLB has set no date on a resolution regarding Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz, it did inform the team that the two pitchers will not be allowed to report to spring training. Guardians’ pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report to spring training on Tuesday at Goodyear, Arizona,” Paul Hoynes wrote.
This is not a surprise, as it is believed neither Clase nor Ortiz will be allowed to play in the majors again. As further details emerge, their path to a potential reinstatement is likely diminishing.
It was recently revealed that Clase’s involvement, in particular, was more extensive than originally thought. Court documents show that the reliever may have thrown as many as 250 suspect pitches in a total of almost 50 games over a two-year period from 2023 to 2025.
In that time, he appeared in 197 regular-season games and seven postseason games for the Guardians. So, in almost one-quarter of them, the All-Star closer was allegedly throwing tainted pitches.
Cleveland overcame the scandal and the loss of two key members of its pitching staff to repeat as AL Central champions. Now, at least they will know from the start of the season that Clase and Ortiz will be unavailable and can plan accordingly.
Cade Smith emerged as a worthy replacement to Clase over the final two months of the season and will enter spring training in the closer’s role. In addition, Hunter Gaddis returns as one of the best setup men in baseball.
The Guardians were able to act accordingly this offseason, with the only notable acquisitions they made adding depth to their bullpen, which should help them remain playoff contenders, despite some concerns about their youthful lineup.
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