Royals’ division rival dealt blow as MLB places pitcher on paid leave
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Royals moved within half-game of Guardians after series win at Kauffman Stadium.
- MLB placed Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase on paid leave amid gambling probe.
- Clase’s absence weakens Cleveland bullpen during tight wild-card race in AL.
By winning their weekend series with the Guardians at Kauffman Stadium, the Royals moved within a half-game of Cleveland in the American League Central and in the wild-card race.
The Royals (52-54) are 4 games behind Texas for the final wild-card spot, while the Guardians (52-53) are 3 1/2 back. Tampa Bay is 3 games behind the Rangers.
It’s a tight wild-card race, and the Guardians received bad news on Monday.
MLB announced it put closer Emmanuel Clase on non-disciplinary paid leave through Aug. 31 while its gambling investigation continues, per a story on the Guardians’ website.
Guardians pitcher Luis Ortiz was placed on the non-disciplinary paid leave list earlier this month as MLB is investigating sports betting.
Clase is a three-time All-Star who has 24 saves and leads the majors with 41 games finished. He has a 3.23 ERA. Clase led the league in saves in each of the previous three seasons, so it’s a significant loss for Cleveland.
Cleveland released this statement: “The Guardians have been notified by Major League Baseball that as part of their sports betting investigation Emmanuel Clase has been placed on non-disciplinary paid leave per an agreement with the Players Association. We have been informed that no additional players or Club personnel are expected to be impacted. The Guardians are not permitted to comment further at this time and will respect the league’s confidential investigative process as we continue to fully cooperate.”
Clase allowed a walkoff home run to the Royals’ Jonathan India in Game 1 of Saturday’s doubleheader at Kauffman Stadium. In the nightcap, Clase got the save.
This story was originally published July 28, 2025 at 1:01 PM.
