Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz were placed on nondisciplinary paid leave as MLB investigates potential gambling involvement in their games. The extension keeps them out beyond Aug. 31, with the possibility they miss the rest of the season as Cleveland fights for a wild-card spot. Cade Smith has taken over closer duties, testing Cleveland’s bullpen depth as the team clears lockers and assesses its finishing stretch amid a broader gambling crackdown in MLB.

Context surrounds a June 2024 sequence that saw five players suspended for gambling, including Tucupita Marcano. The Guardians’ situation compounds uncertainty around their relief corps and return timeline for Clase and Ortiz while the club remains in contention down the final weeks of the season.