CLEVELAND, Ohio — A dark cloud has descended over the Cleveland Guardians’ season as two of their most prominent pitchers, closer Emmanuel Clase and starter Luis Ortiz, find themselves at the center of MLB’s gambling investigation – a situation that threatens to permanently alter their careers and impact the team’s championship aspirations.

The Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz are predicted to be out of MLB amid ongoing sports betting investigations.

Cleveland Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase was the subject of MLB trade rumors for weeks leading up to last weekend. Now, days after being placed on paid leave due to a

MLB's Department of Investigations is handling the investigation of Guardians pitchers Luis Ortiz and Emmanuel Clase.

Both Guardians pitchers were placed on leave in July, related to an ongoing investigation into gambling by Major League Baseball.

Cleveland Guardians relievers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz had their lockers cleaned out in the team clubhouse.

Emmanuel Clase, the dominant closer in the American League for the last four years, was placed on non-disciplinary leave Monday. He joined Luis Ortiz, a member of the starting rotation, who was placed on leave July 3.