Cleveland Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase has been placed on non-disciplinary paid leave after an investigation has been launched into his apparent connection with sports betting, per MLB.com's Tim Stebbins. His paid leave will go through Aug. 31. The shocking news comes after his teammate Luis Ortiz was also named in the same investigation.
Now the Philadelphia Phillies and the rest of baseball are left with one less closer to trade for at the trade deadline.
BREAKING: Cleveland Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase has been placed on non-disciplinary paid leave as part of MLB's sports-betting investigation, sources tell ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 28, 2025
Clase is the second Guardians pitcher on leave tied to the investigation, joining right-hander Luis Ortiz.
The Phillies had their eyes on a potential closer before Thursday's deadline, but Monday's jarring news shifted the landscape of Major League Baseball entirely (subscription required), per Zack Meisel of The Athletic. The Phillies now know the options are getting slimmer for them moving forward. The Phillies have really struggled this year from their bullpen as they're ranked 21st in bullpen ERA with a 4.25 ERA.
Emmanuel Clase gambling drama makes Phillies' search for bullpen help more challenging
Nobody could have predicted that just days before the trade deadline, that one of the biggest closers in the game would face possible suspension due to betting. The Phillies were keeping tabs on Clase if the Guardians were to part ways with the right-hander, but the plans will have to get adjusted for Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski. Clase has pitched to a 5-3 record, 3.23 ERA, and 47 strikeouts through 47 1/3 innings. He was one of the most coveted arms coming into the trade deadline, but all that time spent inquiring about him has gone to waste.
Baltimore Orioles closer Félix Bautista was another name thrown around in possible trade talks, but he's currently on the injured list recovering from a shoulder issue. The options are only getting smaller, and the price will continue to climb for the playoff-hopeful Phillies and their quest for championship glory.
There are still options remaining for the Phillies to fill their closer role, like the Pittsburgh Pirates' David Bednar, the St. Louis Cardinals' Ryan Helsley or even the Washington Nationals' Kyle Finnegan. They still have the same mindset, and that's to make the team better by bringing in the best guys available.
Clase is a big name, but it is only one name that they could've picked. Now it's time to find another answer for the bullpen issues that the Phillies have found themselves in.