Guardians Emmanuel Clase, Luis Ortiz had lockers cleaned out in team clubhouse

The Cleveland Guardians saw two of their relievers, Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz, get placed on non-disciplinary paid leave amid a sports betting investigation by Major League Baseball. 

Clase was placed on leave on July 28th; Ortiz has been out for a while longer. But, with the investigation ongoing, and both on leave through August 31st, the wait for the results from said investigation was underway.

The day after the MLB trade deadline, Zack Meisel of The Athletic reports that both Clase's and Ortiz's lockers in the Guardians clubhouse have been cleared out.

The lockers for Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz have been cleared out in the Guardians’ clubhouse.

— Zack Meisel (@ZackMeisel) August 1, 2025

As both are under investigation for sports betting, the two could be facing a lengthy suspension. This report from Meisel suggests that the two aren't returning any time soon, further making the potential that they're to be suspended for a while more likely.

Clase and Ortiz, while on leave, can't access the team facilities, but can still have contact with the team. Their lockers getting cleaned out indicates that their absence will be for a while; otherwise, they wouldn't have cleaned the lockers out.

Before going under investigation by MLB, Clase had a 3.23 ERA, 47 strikeouts, 24 saves, and a 5-3 record in 48 appearances across 47.1 innings.

MORE: Guardians to trade Cy Young starter Shane Bieber to Blue Jays

Ortiz, meanwhile, in his 16 starts before his investigation began on July 3rd, had a 4.36 ERA, a 4-9 record, 96 strikeouts, and a 1.37 WHIP in 88.2 innings pitched.

At 26 years old, and under team control through the 2029 season, Ortiz had a long Guardians career ahead of him. While Clase, at 27 years old and under control through 2028, was also poised to be the team's long-time closer.

But, this investigation from Major League Baseball could lead to a lengthy suspension, which could force both to not suit up for the Guardians again this season, and potentially, into the future.

This locker clean-out is the first update on Ortiz and Clase after being placed on leave by MLB for a sports betting investigation. Meisel's report is noteworthy, especially as the investigation by MLB is ongoing.

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