Guardians Deny Emmanuel Clase Permission to Pitch in Venezuela

The Cleveland Guardians have denied star reliever Emmanuel Clase permission to pitch in the Venezuelan winter league while he is under investigation by Major League Baseball (MLB) for gambling-related activities. Sources familiar with the decision, who wish to remain anonymous, confirmed that Clase’s request was rejected on Wednesday.

Clase sought to play in Venezuela after the Dominican Republic‘s winter league barred him from participating this offseason with the Estrellas Orientales. In response to this ruling, he filed a lawsuit against both the Dominican league and its president, Vitelio Mejía, earlier this week.

The star reliever intended to join the Tiburones de La Guaira in Venezuela’s winter league, but MLB’s existing agreements with various winter leagues restrict players from participating in teams outside their home country without the approval of both their parent club and the league. The Guardians will not grant that permission while Clase remains under investigation, and MLB has communicated this decision to the Tiburones.

This situation is not unique to Clase. His teammate, Luis Ortiz, has also been on paid leave since July due to similar circumstances. Both players have been associated with “suspicious wagering activity on Cleveland Guardians wagering events,” as reported by the Ohio Casino Control Commission. Ortiz faced the same restrictions from the Dominican Winter League and is reportedly pursuing legal action as well.

The tension within the Dominican league has been exacerbated by the ongoing disputes between Clase and Mejía, according to sources close to the situation. MLB, the Guardians, the Players Association, and representatives for Clase have all opted not to comment publicly on the matter.

As the investigation unfolds, the implications for both players and their respective teams remain significant. The Guardians are facing a challenging period, balancing player conduct with league policies while ensuring compliance with MLB regulations.