Insider Ken Rosenthal explains how he believes Emmanuel Clase's gambling situation has changed the Cleveland Guardians' trade strategy.

The Cleveland Guardians have seen a few of their best players' names thrown in trade rumors, but it seems they've already made their decision.

The Guardians looked like they might be sellers after a 10-game skid but an 11-2 stretch has them back into the Wild Card race. So are they a buyer?

The post MLB rumors: Jeff Passan suggests Cubs-Guardians Shane Bieber blockbuster trade appeared first on ClutchPoints.

"Per an agreement with the MLBPA, Cleveland Guardians pitcher Emmanuel Clase has been placed on non-disciplinary paid leave through games on August 31st while MLB continues its sports betting investigation," MLB said in its statement. "We will not comment further until the investigation has been completed."

Anxiety over a potential trade could be affecting the Guardians' first baseman, who manager Stephen Vogt believes is pressing at the plate.

Cleveland Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase — a rumored MLB trade deadline target — has been placed on paid leave in connection with a sports-gambling investigation, ESPN's Jeff Passan reported Monday. Clase is reportedly on leave through Aug. 31, per The Athletic's Zack Meisel.

Here's why the leadership of opposing teams have labelled the Guardians front office "the Cleveland Grind Machine."