Guardians release Emmanuel Clase statement amid MLB's gambling investigation

Four days from the MLB trade deadline, one of the top potential options in the Cleveland Guardians' closer, Emmanuel Clase, was placed on administrative leave as he is under a sports betting investigation by Major League Baseball.

Amid such a stunning piece of news, the Guardians released a statement on Clase being placed on paid leave by MLB.

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"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."

This statement from the Guardian reveals that there won't be more players or team personnel involved in the league's gambling investigation. Earlier in the year, fellow Guardians pitcher Luis Ortiz was also placed on administrative leave for the same reason.

But Clase and Ortiz are seemingly the only Guardians affected by the league's investigation. As MLB conducts its investigation, both Clase and Ortiz will be on paid leave.

MORE: Guardians make trade deadline decision on 2.33 ERA reliever

Before this announcement, Clase was having a solid year. He had a 3.23 ERA across 47.1 innings and had 24 saves, 47 strikeouts, and a 1.225 WHIP. One year ago, Clase was incredible.

He had a 0.61 ERA and 47 saves in 74.1 innings pitched. He was third in AL Cy Young voting and was an All-Star for the third season in a row. Clase didn't earn an All-Star nod this season, but he was still a solid closer for Cleveland.

Now, with the Guardians losing Clase for the next month, Cade Smith will likely step into the closer's role going forward. The Guardians closer, who was at the center of trade rumors leading up to the MLB trade deadline, will be on paid leave through August 31st, well past the trade deadline.

It's a tough blow for the Guardians and Clase, as the 27-year-old closer won't be with the team through August 31st, over a month from now. 

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