by Cleveland, Ohio – Two Cleveland Guardians pitchers, Emmanuel Clase (27) and Luis Ortiz (26), are facing serious federal fraud and bribery charges after prosecutors accused them of participating in a pitch-rigging scheme that helped gamblers win hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Federal Indictment Unsealed
According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the indictment was unsealed on Sunday, November 9, by federal prosecutors in the Eastern District of New York. It revealed that both players were charged with fraud, conspiracy, and bribery conspiracy tied to the alleged scheme involving rigged baseball pitches.
Luis Ortiz was arrested on Sunday in Boston and is expected to make his first court appearance on Monday, November 10, while Emmanuel Clase remains not in custody as of now.
Allegations of Rigged Pitches
Prosecutors claim that Clase began collaborating with a gambler in May 2023, intentionally throwing specific pitches that allowed for profitable prop bets — wagers on specific game events.
Later, Ortiz allegedly joined the operation in June 2025, and according to ESPN’s report, gamblers won at least $450,000 through bets placed on both pitchers’ performances. The indictment further alleges that both players received payments in exchange for their participation in the scheme.
Federal Prosecutor’s Strong Words
U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr., representing the Eastern District of New York, condemned the alleged conduct in a statement to ESPN, saying:
“Clase and Ortiz deprived the Cleveland Guardians and Major League Baseball of their honest services. They defrauded the online betting platforms where the bets were placed. And they betrayed America’s pastime.”
He further emphasized that integrity and fair play are central to professional sports, adding that corruption “damages the public trust in an institution vital and dear to all of us.”
Defense Denies Allegations
In a statement to PEOPLE, Ortiz’s attorney, Chris Georgalis, denied all allegations, asserting that his client never sought to influence a game improperly.
“He has never, and would never, improperly influence a game — not for anyone and not for anything,” Georgalis said.
The statement further argued that no credible evidence proves Ortiz knowingly engaged in wrongdoing:
“Luis looks forward to fighting these charges in court. The government’s case is weak and circumstantial. He will defend himself, and he will prevail.”
MLB and Guardians Respond
Major League Baseball (MLB) confirmed that it had been cooperating with federal law enforcement since the investigation began.
“MLB contacted federal law enforcement at the outset of its investigation and has fully cooperated throughout the process. We are aware of the indictment and today’s arrest, and our investigation is ongoing,” MLB said in a statement to ESPN.
The Cleveland Guardians also released a statement:
“We are aware of the recent law enforcement action. We will continue to fully cooperate with both law enforcement and Major League Baseball as their investigations continue.”
A Wider Pattern of Sports Gambling Scandals
This latest case follows a string of high-profile sports gambling arrests. Just weeks earlier, Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, and former Cleveland Cavaliers player Damon Jones were arrested for alleged involvement in a massive sports betting operation linked to organized crime — also prosecuted by the Eastern District of New York.
Additionally, in June, MLB announced a lifetime ban for Padres infielder Tucupita Marcano after an internal probe revealed he placed hundreds of bets on MLB games.
Possible Sentences
According to ESPN, if convicted, Ortiz and Clase could face:
- Up to 20 years for wire fraud conspiracy
- 20 years for honest services wire fraud conspiracy
- 20 years for money laundering conspiracy
- 5 years for conspiracy to influence sporting events by bribery
Both players were placed on non-disciplinary paid leave by Major League Baseball in July, after betting investigators detected unusual wagers related to Ortiz’s pitches.
What do you think about this shocking scandal involving two MLB pitchers?
Should the league impose lifetime bans if the allegations are proven true?
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