Cleveland Guardians’ pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz have been indicted by federal prosecutors in the Brooklyn-based Eastern District of New York. Both pitchers are facing several charges related to rigging specific pitches thrown during MLB games and profiting from the results on betting websites.
According to documents from the U.S. Department of Justice, the pitchers are being charged with ‘wire fraud conspiracy, honest services wire fraud conspiracy, conspiracy to influence sporting contests by bribery and money laundering conspiracy.’ All of the charges come in regard to their alleged involvement in the betting scandal.
‘The defendants deprived the Cleveland Guardians and Major League Baseball of their honest services,’ Joseph Nocella Jr., the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District, said in a statement, according to ESPN. ‘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. 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.’
Both pitchers were placed on leave by the Guardians in July, but it appears the investigations revolving around their alleged foul play has come to a head. Here are the latest updates on the gambling scandal involving three-time All-Star closer Emmanuel Clase and starter Luis Ortiz.
What are Clase and Ortiz being charged with?
The pitchers are were indicted on multiple charges of fraud, conspiracy, and bribery.
What is in the indictment?
The 23-page indictment outlines several incidents where either Clase or Ortiz were paid to rig MLB pitches. It claims that the scheme started in May 2023 with only Clase. Ortiz was brought in at a later date.
The indictment also includes some pretty convincing evidence of foul play involving messages between Clase and alleged bettors. According to the document, during a game on May 28, 2025, Clase threw a pitch that was intended to be a ball, but resulted in a strike after the batter – Dodgers’ outfielder Andy Pages – swung and missed. Approximately 20 minutes later, Clase received a message from someone labeled ‘Bettor-1’ of a GIF of a man hanging himself with toilet paper. Ten minutes later, Clase responded with a sad puppy face GIF despite the Guardians winning that game.
Are Clase, Ortiz facing jail time?
If convicted on all charges, the pitchers could face up to 65 years in prison each.
How have the Cleveland Guardians responded?
The Guardians released a statement on Sunday, Nov. 9 and are cooperating with the investigation.
“We are aware of the recent law enforcement action,’ the Guardians’ statement reads. ‘We will continue to fully cooperate with both law enforcement and Major League Baseball as their investigations continue.’
Major League Baseball also released a statement following the news.
“MLB contacted federal law enforcement at the outset of its investigation and has fully cooperated throughout the process,’ the league’s statement reads. ‘We are aware of the indictment and today’s arrest, and our investigation is ongoing.”