Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz remain on nondisciplinary paid leave as MLB extends its gambling investigation, with an indefinite timeline that could stretch beyond the season’s end. Cleveland has moved to Cade Smith as closer, while bullpen depth becomes a growing concern for a team hanging around in the wild-card race. The probe follows earlier suspensions in 2024, heightening scrutiny around player actions in games and their impact on betting markets.

The saga also touches Ortiz’s background—acquired from Pittsburgh—and a broader landscape where the Padres’ Tucupita Marcano was previously banned in the gambling crackdown. For fantasy managers, the immediate risk is saves and rotation depth, with Cleveland’s bullpen shuffles likely to influence late-season bullpen usage and speculative pickups.

Two Guardians pitchers, Luis Ortiz and Emmanuel Clase, are on leave amid MLB gambling investigations, a heavy blow to Cleveland’s bullpen. Cade Smith has moved into the closer role in Clase’s absence, while Carlos Santana offers steady leadership from the clubhouse.

With the investigation dragging on, Cleveland’s 2025 playoff odds look dimmer and fantasy managers face volatile saves and bullpen roles. Smith’s opportunity is real, but long suspensions could force midseason reshuffles and late-callups, so monitor the Aug. 31 timeline and any extension.

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.

Texas staged a dramatic ninth-inning walk-off in Cleveland. Langford opened the frame with a 104.1 mph single that turned into a hustle double, setting the table for Corey Seager’s 108.5 mph RBI hit to tie the game. Joc Pederson delivered the winner on the first pitch, a 104.5 mph shot to right-center. Cade Smith’s rough ninth turned a 3-2 Guardians lead into a 4-3 defeat, underscoring Texas’ late-inning depth and Langford’s sprint-speed upside.

In fantasy terms, Langford’s wheels boost stolen-base potential, Seager anchors Texas’ power, and Pederson’s first-pitch approach adds upside in high-leverage spots. Guardians bullpen woes in late innings could push Rangers stacks higher in daily formats, while Guardians relievers eye rebound opportunities for the next matchup.