The MLB has a strict “no betting on baseball” rule, and violations of this rule carry serious repercussions. Major League players are prohibited from betting on any professional or amateur baseball games, including college, high school, and youth games. They may not wager on anything related to baseball games or events, such as game outcomes, in-game events, All-Star Games, player performance, or postseason results. Players are also forbidden from assisting others with bets or asking others to place wagers on their behalf. In addition, they may not participate in fantasy baseball games or help others who do so. Major League players are prohibited from intentionally influencing or manipulating any game outcome, and they may not provide confidential information to anyone intending to use it for betting purposes.[1]
Most relevant here is the rule against game fixing. In July, Guardians players Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz were placed on the restricted list “until further notice” while their alleged gambling activities are investigated. Ortiz was flagged after throwing two pitches that were badly off target, which coincided with an unusual increase in betting on those pitches being called balls or hitting the batter. Clase was placed on leave at the end of July, though no further details have been released.[2] The investigation began when the Ohio Casino Control Commission received intelligence from an Ohio sportsbook and the MLB regarding suspicious wagering activity surrounding the Guardians. The investigation is in progress, but the MLB and the commission will not comment until the investigation is complete.[3] Rule 21, posted in every clubhouse in baseball, states: “Any player, umpire or club or league official or employee, who shall bet any sum whatsoever upon any baseball game in connection with which the bettor has a duty to perform, shall be declared permanently ineligible.” Players are expected to give their best efforts toward winning any baseball game, and a violation of this rule results in permanent ineligibility. Such bans remain in effect for life and end only upon the person’s death.[4]
During the past season, Tucupita Marcano of the Pittsburgh Pirates was permanently banned from baseball after gambling on games involving his own team. Four other players were suspended for one year for betting on baseball games they were not personally involved in.[5] If the Guardians’ situation is handled in line with these precedents, both Clase and Ortiz may be placed on the permanently ineligible list. For now, both players remain on paid leave until further notice, which has been extended beyond the initial period through August 31. Following the trade deadline, the Guardians cleared out both players’ lockers.[6]
[2] Matt Snyder, Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz remain on paid leave amid MLB’s gambling investigations, CBS Sports (August 31, 2025)
[3] Zack Meisel, Guardians pitchers’ suspensions amid gambling investigation extended ‘until further notice’,The Atheltic (August 31, 2025)
[5] Id. Supra note 2
[6] Id. Supra note 3
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