Cleveland closer Emmanuel Clase suspended over gambling allegations

Dominican pitcher Emmanuel Clase, the closer for the Cleveland Guardians, has been suspended by Major League Baseball (MLB) until August 3, reportedly due to issues related to gambling. The suspension was issued by MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, though official details have not yet been disclosed.

Clase, originally from Río San Juan in the Dominican Republic, has recorded 24 saves this season with a 3.23 ERA. He will be ineligible to return to play until at least August 31, missing over a month of games. He is currently in the third year of a five-year, US$20 million contract, which includes a team option through 2028.

This marks the second suspension involving a Dominican pitcher from the Guardians in recent weeks, following reports that Luis Ortiz was also penalized for gambling-related issues. These cases are drawing increased attention, as gambling-related suspensions are relatively new territory for MLB, which more commonly deals with violations involving performance-enhancing drugs.