Key Moments:
- Two Cleveland Guardians pitchers have been indicted for manipulating in-game pitching in exchange for payoffs from gamblers.
- Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz are accused of rigging pitch outcomes, resulting in gambler winnings of $460,000 on prop bets.
- Both players could face up to 20 years in prison on several counts if convicted.
Federal Indictment Details Alleged Betting Scheme
Federal indictments unsealed in Brooklyn have charged Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz, both pitchers for the Cleveland Guardians, with several serious offenses tied to a betting scheme. Prosecutors allege the two accepted thousands of dollars from two Dominican gamblers to manipulate the results of certain pitches, especially by throwing balls instead of strikes. The gamblers reportedly secured $460,000 in winnings on in-game prop bets based on the outcomes of these manipulated pitches.
Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz have been indicted for rigging bets on pitches in MLB games.
Ortiz was allegedly paid $5,000 for throwing an intentional ball June 15 and Clase paid $5,000 for facilitating it, then did it again two weeks later for $7,000 apiece. pic.twitter.com/p8bS53pSvM
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) November 9, 2025
Charges and Timeline of Events
The indictment outlines charges of wire fraud conspiracy, honest services wire fraud conspiracy, conspiracy to influence sporting contests by bribery, and money laundering conspiracy. Both athletes had previously been placed on paid leave by Major League Baseball, as officials investigated irregular betting patterns during games earlier in the year.
The United States Attorney’s Office Eastern District of New York alleges that, starting in May 2023, Clase worked with the gamblers to intentionally throw specific types of pitches and provide advance information, facilitating prop bet wins. Ortiz is accused of joining the plot in June, including allegations that he accepted a $5,000 bribe for intentionally throwing a ball on a specific pitch, with Clase also receiving $5,000 for orchestrating the move.
Player Status and Legal Actions
Ortiz was arrested by the FBI at Boston Logan International Airport and is set for a federal court appearance in Boston. Clase has not yet been taken into custody. Both players remain on leave from their team.
| Player | Age | Contract Status | Salary (2026) | Career Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luis Ortiz | 26 | Under contract | USD $820,000 per year | $2.26 million |
| Emmanuel Clase | 27 | Under contract | $6.4 million | $15.3 million |
Statements from Authorities and Ongoing Investigations
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York Joseph Nocella Jr. commented, “Professional athletes, like Luis Leandro Ortiz and Emmanuel Clase de la Cruz hold a position of trust—not only with their teammates and their professional leagues, but with fans who believe in fair play,” and added, “As alleged, the defendants sold that trust to gamblers by fixing pitches. In doing so, the defendants 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.
“Integrity, honesty and fair play are part of the DNA of professional sports,” he said. “When corruption infiltrates the sport, it brings disgrace not only to the participants but damages the public trust in an institution that is vital and dear to all of us. Today’s charges make clear that our Office will continue to vigorously prosecute those who corrupt sports through illegal means.”
Ortiz’s attorney denied the accusations in a statement to ESPN. Major League Baseball has said it is aware of the indictment and continues its internal investigation.
Wider Industry Impact
The indictment follows recent scrutiny of betting activity in professional sports, including last month’s NBA betting scandal involving other league figures. The case underscores ongoing challenges for sports organizations, regulators, and the betting industry in preserving integrity amid increasing gambling activity.
Potential Legal Consequences
Both Ortiz and Clase face substantial penalties if found guilty. Each could receive up to 20 years in prison for wire fraud conspiracy, 20 years for honest services wire fraud conspiracy, five years for conspiracy to influence sporting contests by bribery, and 20 years for money laundering conspiracy.
- Author
Daniel Williams
