by Cleveland, Ohio – Two Cleveland Guardians pitchers, Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz, are facing federal fraud and bribery charges after prosecutors alleged the pair rigged specific pitches to help gamblers win hundreds of thousands of dollars through online betting platforms.
Guardians Pitchers Accused of Rigging Pitches
According to an indictment unsealed by federal prosecutors in the Eastern District of New York on Sunday, November 9, Clase, 27, and Ortiz, 26, were charged with wire fraud conspiracy, honest services fraud, and bribery conspiracy linked to an alleged scheme to manipulate baseball bets.
Federal authorities claim that Clase began working with an unnamed professional gambler in May 2023 to intentionally throw particular pitches that could be exploited through prop bets — wagers on specific in-game outcomes. Ortiz allegedly joined the operation in June 2025, with gamblers reportedly earning over $450,000 on the manipulated bets.
Both players are accused of accepting payments from the gamblers involved.
Arrest and Court Proceedings
According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, Ortiz was arrested in Boston on Sunday and is scheduled to appear in court on Monday, November 10. Clase, meanwhile, has not been taken into custody as of the latest reports.
In the indictment, U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. condemned the actions of both players, stating:
“They defrauded 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.”
Nocella emphasized that integrity and fair play are “part of the DNA of professional sports,” adding that corruption “damages the public trust in an institution that is vital and dear to all of us.”
Defense Denies Allegations
Ortiz’s attorney, Chris Georgalis, issued a strong denial, saying the pitcher “has never, and would never, improperly influence a game.”
“There is no credible evidence Luis knowingly did anything other than try to win games, with every pitch and in every inning,” Georgalis said. “He looks forward to fighting these charges in court. The government’s case is weak and circumstantial.”
Clase has not yet made a public statement regarding the allegations.
MLB and Guardians Respond
Major League Baseball confirmed that it contacted federal law enforcement when suspicions first arose and has fully cooperated throughout the investigation.
“We are aware of the indictment and today’s arrest, and our investigation is ongoing,” MLB said.
The Cleveland Guardians also released a statement acknowledging the charges:
“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.”
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Wider Crackdown on Sports Gambling
This indictment follows a recent wave of gambling-related scandals in U.S. sports. Just weeks ago, Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, and former Cleveland Cavaliers player Damon Jones were arrested for allegedly participating in a large-scale Mafia-linked betting ring, also prosecuted in the Eastern District of New York.
Earlier this year, MLB permanently banned Padres infielder Tucupita Marcano after discovering he placed hundreds of bets on baseball games.
Clase and Ortiz were placed on paid leave in July 2025, after betting investigators detected unusual wagers tied to two of Ortiz’s June pitches.
If convicted, both players face up to 20 years in prison each for the most serious counts, including wire fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy to influence sporting events.
Do you think professional athletes caught in gambling scandals should face lifetime bans? Share your thoughts in the comments on mikeandjonpodcast.com.
