Two pitchers from the Cleveland Guardians are at the center of a major sports betting investigation that’s shaking up Major League Baseball. Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz were hit with federal charges in New York for allegedly taking bribes to rig pitch outcomes in games from 2023 to 2025.
According to the indictment, Clase worked closely with bettors, tipping them off in real time about pitch choices so they could place “prop” and “parlay” bets. One wager on a fast pitch against the Mets netted $27,000 alone. Authorities say over $400,000 in gambling profits were linked to his pitches.
The alleged operation wasn’t subtle. Clase is accused of calling or texting during games, agreeing to throw specific pitches in exchange for money masked as “home repairs.” Ortiz joined in 2025, reportedly receiving $5,000 and $7,000 for throwing intentional balls in two separate games.
Federal agents say Clase also funneled money through the Dominican Republic, helping to launder funds. Ortiz was arrested at Boston Logan Airport on Sunday and is expected in court on Monday. Clase is still outside U.S. custody.
U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. called their actions a betrayal of the sport: “They defrauded the Cleveland Guardians and Major League Baseball of their honest services.” The FBI added that the scheme “sullied the reputation of America’s pastime.”
Both men face up to 20 years if convicted. This comes as part of a growing probe into illegal gambling in pro sports, which has already led to arrests of other high-profile names across the NBA.
