Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase and starter Luis Ortiz are the subjects of MLB gambling investigations and placed on paid administrative leave through August 31, with extensions likely. Cleveland has leaned on Cade Smith to close games, and the bullpen winces as it recalibrates under pressure. The team had surged in July, but the absence of two top pitchers tests depth and playoff odds, while leadership from Steven Kwan and Carlos Santana keeps the clubhouse moving forward.

Meanwhile, MLB realignment chatter and a flood of surrounding notes pepper the week, but the Guardians’ focus remains on survival and finish. The piece threads through the tension of potential lifetime consequences if guilty, the resilience of a 40-man roster culture, and the messy reality of a season still in the balance for a team chasing a wild-card berth.