Guardians Pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz Accused in MLB Pitch-Speed Betting Scheme
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Federal indictment alleges a scheme to manipulate pitch velocities for illegal gambling gains,perhaps jeopardizing careers and shaking the integrity of Major League baseball.
Cleveland Guardians relief pitcher Emmanuel Clase and fellow pitcher Luis Ortiz have been charged with wire fraud and conspiracy, accused of intentionally altering pitch types and velocities to benefit a group of bettors.The alleged scheme, outlined in a 23-page indictment, spans over two years and netted co-conspirators more than $450,000 in winnings, raising serious questions about the vulnerability of professional sports to illicit gambling influence.
The Alleged Scheme: Texts, Sliders, and Secret Signals
The examination centers around a pattern of communication between Clase and an associate, beginning on April 26, 2025. Just before entering a game in the eighth inning, Clase allegedly texted his associate, followed by a two-minute phone call – a violation of MLB rules prohibiting phone use during games. Four minutes later, bettors reportedly won approximately $11,000 wagering that Clase’s next pitch would register below 97.95 mph. This initial success allegedly sparked a more elaborate operation.
The core of the scheme involved Clase signaling his intended pitch – often a slider designed to bounce in the dirt – to the associate, who relayed the facts to a network of bettors. Armed with this inside knowledge, the bettors placed wagers on both the velocity and the result of the pitch. Clase’s typical repertoire included a fastball clocked at 99-100 mph and a slider around 91 mph, making the manipulation of pitch speed a key element of the scheme.
prosecutors allege that Clase and Ortiz actively concealed their involvement by framing the transactions as “repairs at the country house.” In some instances, Clase even allegedly provided funds to the bettors to wager on his own pitches, transferring $2,500 to an associate who then passed it on to “Bettor-1” on May 13, 2025.That same day, bettors won approximately $3,500 by wagering on a Clase pitch to be slower than 99.45 mph and result in a ball or hit-by-pitch.
Ortiz’s involvement became more explicit in a june 27th game against the St.Louis Cardinals, with both pitchers allegedly set to receive $7,000 for their coordination. bank security footage captured Clase withdrawing $50,000 in cash, allegedly providing $15,000 to “Bettor-1.” bettors then placed $18,000 in wagers on an Ortiz pitch being a ball or hit-by-pitch, which proved accomplished, netting them approximately $37,000.
legal ramifications and Current Status
Clase and Ortiz face up to 65 years in prison if convicted on the charges of wire fraud and conspiracy.As of Sunday afternoon, Ortiz was arrested in Boston and is scheduled to appear in court on Monday. Clase, though, is reportedly out of the country and remains at large.
Both pitchers were placed on paid leave in July following the league’s investigation into potential predetermination of pitches. Neither pitcher has entered a plea. Clase’s agent, Michael Ferrara, stated, “Emmanuel Clase has devoted his life to baseball and doing everything in his power to help his team win. Emmanuel is innocent of all charges and looks forward to clearing his name in court.” Ortiz’s attorney, Chris Georgalis, similarly asserted his client’s innocence, stating that the payments to Ortiz were for “lawful activities” and that the government’s case is “weak and circumstantial.”
The Guardians were financially responsible for both players’ 2025 salaries during their administrative leave. Clase, 27, was under team control for at least one more season, and the team had high hopes for Ortiz, 26, as a future rotation staple.
This case represents a significant threat to the integrity of Major League Baseball and underscores the growing challenges posed by sports betting and the potential for corruption. The investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge as the legal proceedings unfold.
