Guardians Pitchers Sidelined Amid MLB Betting Scandal

Major League Baseball has placed Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase, an All-Star closer, and starter Luis Ortiz on paid leave amid investigations into potential gambling violations. Both cases involve suspicious betting activity on specific pitches, with integrity monitors flagging unusual prop bets, such as wagers on first-pitch balls tied to wild or uncompetitive throws. The incidents have intensified concerns over the integrity of baseball, especially as partnerships with sports betting companies have grown. Players report increased harassment and threats from bettors, while experts warn of rising gambling addiction due to the proliferation of betting promotions during games. Critics contend that MLB's current approach, treating such incidents as isolated, does not address the larger risks posed by legalized betting. Similar concerns have emerged in other sports, such as horse racing, where restrictions on certain betting practices are being introduced.