Jury selection will begin May 4 in the trial of Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis L. Ortiz, who each face up to 65 years in prison for their alleged roles in a gambling scheme.
Both pitchers have entered not guilty pleas to charges of wire fraud conspiracy, honest services wire fraud conspiracy, conspiracy to influence sporting contests by bribery and money laundering conspiracy.
A 23-page indictment alleges the pitchers colluded with bettors, promising to throw balls in predetermined situations to win money on microbets. The pitchers remain on Major League Baseball’s restricted list and could be subject to placement on the league’s permanently ineligible list or other discipline based on the trial’s outcome.
U.S. District Court Judge Kiyo Matsumoto indicated the trial could begin in the days or weeks after jury selection commences; the pitchers are due next in court Jan. 15.
The indictment alleges that Clase, a three-time All-Star and two-time winner of the American League’s Reliever of the Year award, began interacting with the gamblers in May 2023. Ortiz, acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates in December 2024, joined the alleged scheme this past June.
Prosecutors allege bettors won at least $450,000 from pitches thrown by Clase and Ortiz.