MLB Pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz Indicted for Alleged Bribery in Betting Scheme

Federal prosecutors have indicted Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz on charges of accepting bribes to manipulate pitch outcomes, allegedly aiding bettors in winning substantial sums through in-game prop bets. The indictment, unsealed in Brooklyn federal court, alleges that the two pitchers accepted several thousand dollars to assist two unnamed gamblers from the Dominican Republic in winning at least $460,000 by intentionally throwing specific pitches, such as balls in the dirt instead of strikes.

Both players have been on non-disciplinary paid leave since July, following Major League Baseball's investigation into unusual betting activity during their games between April and June. Ortiz, 26, was arrested by the FBI at Boston Logan International Airport and is expected to appear in federal court in Boston. Clase, 27, is not currently in custody.

U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. stated, "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."

Ortiz's attorney, Chris Georgalis, asserted his client's innocence, stating that Ortiz "has never, and would never, improperly influence a game — not for anyone and not for anything." He added that payments between Ortiz and individuals in the Dominican Republic were for lawful activities and that Ortiz looks forward to contesting the charges in court.

Major League Baseball has been cooperating with federal authorities and stated that their investigation is ongoing. The Cleveland Guardians acknowledged the law enforcement action and affirmed their commitment to cooperating with both law enforcement and MLB.

The charges against Clase and Ortiz include wire fraud conspiracy, honest services wire fraud conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy, and conspiracy to influence sporting contests by bribery. Each of the top charges carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison.

This case is part of a broader federal crackdown on betting in professional sports, following recent arrests in the NBA and previous suspensions in MLB related to gambling activities.