Cleveland Guardians Pitchers Indicted in Sports Betting Scheme

Federal prosecutors have indicted Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz on charges of wire fraud conspiracy, honest services wire fraud conspiracy, conspiracy to influence sporting contests by bribery, and money laundering conspiracy. The indictment alleges that the players accepted bribes to manipulate pitches during Major League Baseball games, allowing bettors to win at least $460,000 through fraudulent wagers.

According to the indictment, Clase began the scheme in May 2023, coordinating with bettors to throw specific pitches, often communicating via cellphone during games. Ortiz allegedly joined the scheme in June 2025, agreeing to throw predetermined pitches in exchange for bribes.

Ortiz was arrested in Boston and is scheduled to appear in court on Monday. Clase is currently not in U.S. custody. If convicted on all charges, each player faces up to 65 years in prison.

U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. stated, "The defendants deprived the Cleveland Guardians and Major League Baseball of their honest services. They defrauded the online betting platforms where the bets were placed. And they betrayed America's pastime."

Both players have denied the allegations. Ortiz's attorney, Chris Georgalis, asserted, "Luis Ortiz is innocent of the charges related to two pitches he threw. He has never, and would never, improperly influence a game."

Major League Baseball has placed both players on paid leave since July and is conducting its own investigation into the matter. The Cleveland Guardians have stated they are cooperating fully with both law enforcement and MLB investigations.