The Cleveland Guardians have found themselves at the epicenter of a dramatic and challenging period in the 2025 Major League Baseball season, with off-field turmoil and on-field resilience shaping their story. As of August 13, 2025, the club is without two of its key pitchers, Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz, both sidelined due to an ongoing MLB investigation into alleged gambling ties. Yet, remarkably, the Guardians have not only weathered the storm—they’ve surged, thanks to a combination of emerging talent, timely performances, and a revitalized farm system.
It all started when Luis Ortiz was placed on the restricted list on July 3, 2025, after two of his pitches in June raised suspicions due to large micro-bets being placed on those specific events. The investigation soon expanded to include Clase, with his locker adjacent to Ortiz’s, and by late July, both players were removed from the active roster. The Guardians acted swiftly, clearing out their lockers and signaling that a return might not be imminent. The earliest possible return date for either pitcher is August 31, but as the days tick by and the investigation drags on, hope for their exoneration seems to dwindle.
The situation has drawn attention well beyond the ballpark. The State of Ohio launched its own inquiry into the matter, with Governor Mike DeWine calling for a crackdown on micro-betting, particularly on events “completely controlled by one player.” In a pointed statement, DeWine asserted, “The harm to athletes and the integrity of the game is clear, and the benefits are not worth the harm. The prop betting experiment in this country has failed badly.”
Despite the off-field distractions and the loss of two high-leverage arms, the Guardians have shown remarkable resolve. The initial impact was rough: Cleveland dropped its first four games after Ortiz’s departure, falling to a season-low 40-48 record by July 7. But then, something clicked. Over the next several weeks, the Guardians went on a tear, posting a 21-8 record and climbing back into contention. The pitching staff, in particular, has stepped up in ways few could have predicted.
Joey Cantillo, thrust into the rotation to replace Ortiz, has held his own with a 2-2 record and a 4.34 ERA over seven starts. The rest of the rotation has been equally impressive. Gavin Williams, for instance, is unbeaten at 2-0 with a sparkling 1.63 ERA, highlighted by a near no-hitter against the New York Mets. Slade Cecconi has contributed a 2-1 mark and a 3.79 ERA, while Logan Allen has posted a 2-3 record with a solid 3.48 ERA. Tanner Bibee, though sporting a higher 5.85 ERA, remains unbeaten at 4-0, buoyed by strong run support from his teammates.
The bullpen, too, has found new life. Former setup men Hunter Gaddis and Cade Smith have each notched two saves, while rookie Nic Enright recorded his first career save. Kolby Allard, brought back on a minor-league deal after being designated for assignment, has shined with a 2.84 ERA across eight appearances. Jakob Junis boasts a 2-0 record with a 1.42 ERA in 11 outings, and rookie Erik Sabrowski has dazzled, striking out 20 batters in just 13 2/3 innings with a minuscule 0.66 ERA. It’s been a true group effort, with several arms stepping up when the team needed them most.
But the Guardians’ resilience isn’t just about the present—it’s about the future, too. The organization has been aggressive in building its pipeline of talent, with a wave of new prospects entering the system in July via the 2025 MLB Draft. Outfielder Jace LaViolette, the 27th overall pick, headlines a group of 21 draftees. C.J. Kayfus, who represented the Guardians in the All-Star Futures Game, made his MLB debut on August 2, signaling the team’s willingness to give young players a shot at the big leagues.
Perhaps the most exciting development has been the rapid rise of Travis Bazzana, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 Draft. On August 10, Bazzana was promoted from Double-A Akron to Triple-A Columbus, joining two other top-five prospects at the Guardians’ highest minor league level. Alfonsin Rosario, acquired from the Cubs last November, also earned a promotion after a standout season that saw him slash .263/.360/.492 with 16 doubles, 18 home runs, 51 RBIs, and 12 stolen bases over 87 games. Rosario’s improved strikeout rate—down from 32.2% in 2024 to 26.1% in 2025—has been a key factor in his breakout year.
The Guardians’ Top 30 Prospects list has seen significant movement, with several newcomers making an immediate impact. In addition to LaViolette, the list now features Dean Curley, Aaron Walton, Dauri Fernandez, Will Hynes, Luke Hill, and Nolan Schubart, all products of the 2025 draft. Pitching prospect Mobley, drafted in 2024, turned 19 in June and flashes a fastball in the upper-90s, though he’s experienced some early growing pains with an 8.47 ERA and 18 walks in 17 innings.
Scouting grades from MLB Pipeline reveal a system loaded with potential. Bazzana’s hit tool is rated a 65, LaViolette’s power also earns a 65, and Rosario’s arm is an elite 70. Daniel Espino, though sidelined by injuries since 2022, remains the system’s top flamethrower with an 80-grade fastball and a 70-grade slider. Espino’s career has been derailed by knee and shoulder surgeries, but the Guardians haven’t given up hope. As Chris Antonetti, president of baseball operations, put it, “If there’s anyone that can overcome this, it’s Daniel. I put my money on him.”
The Guardians’ pitching depth has been tested by injuries to other prospects as well. Andrew Walters, a hard-throwing right-hander, was lost for the season after surgery in May. Franco Aleman, another high-upside arm, has struggled to regain form after hernia surgery in the spring. Still, the addition of Khal Stephen—acquired from the Toronto Blue Jays at the trade deadline after posting a 9-1 record with a 2.06 ERA in the minors—offers another glimmer of hope.
With Trevor Stephan recently activated after missing over a year due to Tommy John surgery, and several prospects on the verge of making an impact, the Guardians’ future looks promising—even if the present remains clouded by uncertainty over the fate of Clase and Ortiz. The question remains: can the club continue its winning ways and develop enough pitching talent to offset the potential loss of two of its best arms?
For now, the Guardians are proving that adversity can be a catalyst for opportunity. With a blend of emerging stars, savvy acquisitions, and a steadfast commitment to player development, Cleveland’s baseball faithful have plenty of reasons to keep watching as the season unfolds. The coming weeks will reveal whether these Guardians can turn their resilience into a lasting legacy.
