Former Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz entered federal court in Brooklyn on Monday to face fraud charges, marking the start of a high-stakes jury trial that could end their careers and potentially their freedom. The two pitchers, who have pleaded not guilty to conspiracy charges, are accused of accepting bribes to collude with gamblers who correctly bet on individual pitch outcomes. While on nondisciplinary leave without pay from the Guardians, the defendants face allegations that they helped two Dominican Republic-based bettors secure at least $460,000 in profits through in-game prop bets on pitch speed and type.
Former closer and starter accused of colluding with gamblers for $460K in prop bets
Prosecutors allege that the scheme began in 2023 when Clase, the team’s former closer, started providing pitch information to the bettors. The indictment further claims that Clase recruited Ortiz, a starter, into the conspiracy in 2025, with the pair accepting several thousand dollars in payoffs for their cooperation. The trial, presided over by Judge Kiyo A. Matsumoto, is expected to last approximately one month and will feature testimony from several professional baseball players, including catchers, as well as baseball executives who were privy to the players’ activities.
This case represents a significant legal and reputational challenge for the Guardians organization, which has maintained a neutral stance while the players are on leave. Lawyers for Ortiz previously attempted to secure a separate trial from Clase but were denied, forcing both pitchers to face the charges together. The outcome of this trial will not only determine the legal fate of the two pitchers but also serve as a critical test case for MLB’s ongoing efforts to combat match-fixing and illegal betting schemes within the sport.
Source: Yahoo Sports
