Guardians Closer Emmanuel Clase Banned from Dominican Winter League Amid MLB Gambling Probe

Cleveland Guardians' three-time All-Star closer, Emmanuel Clase, has reportedly been banned from playing winter ball in the Dominican Republic's LIDOM league. This decision by LIDOM, made independently of MLB, follows Clase being placed on "non-disciplinary paid leave" by MLB on July 28 due to an investigation into suspicious gambling activity. While the specifics of his probe are not yet clear, his leave was announced after a similar investigation into teammate Luis Ortiz began. Clase, who was in the midst of another standout season, had been preparing to play for the Estrellas baseball club, even appearing in intrasquad action on October 8. His baseball future remains uncertain as MLB has yet to conclude its investigation.