The Cleveland Guardians were dealt a massive blow this season.
First, it was Luis L. Ortiz.
Now, it’s Emmanuel Clase.
The Guardians lost the two Dominican hurlers due to an investigation surrounding their alleged involvement in a sports gambling scheme.
And while they’re considered innocent until proven otherwise, Nick Pedone doesn’t seem to like their chances of ever pitching again.
Talking on the Bruce Drennan Show, the renowned analyst paints a disheartening picture for them:
“I truly hate to say this. With this investigation, you’re innocent until proven guilty, and right now, all that we can say is that these were allegations that are thrown out against these guys. We don’t know anything with any certainty. However, with what’s being alleged, it’s some pretty sticky stuff,” Pedone said.
Will we EVER see Luis Ortiz and Emmanuel Clase pitch in the MLB again? #GuardsBall
"I truly hate to say this."
–@NickPedone12 pic.twitter.com/8lSZipBZsz
— Bruce Drennan Show (@Bruce_Drennan) August 10, 2025
Of course, they deserve every right to prove their innocence if they’re, in fact, innocent.
But if they were compromising the integrity of the game in any shape or form and were intentionally hurting their own team, then, by all means, they should face the consequences of their actions.
Ortiz was starting to come together after an up-and-down start to his career with the Guardians.
While control was an issue, he was absolutely filthy when he was at his best, and he looked like a potential starter for years to come.
Clase, on the other hand, should still be considered one of the best — if not the best — closers in all of baseball.
He wasn’t as dominant this season as in previous years, but he was still a force to be reckoned with.
The Guardians have fared well in his absence, and fortunately, Cade Smith looks more than ready to take his spot.
Even so, this is a delicate situation, and we might not know more about it until the end of the season.
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