Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis L. Ortiz were indicted on federal charges for allegedly rigging pitches to aid gamblers. Major League Baseball responded by imposing new limits on pitch-specific prop bets. The scandal highlights growing concerns over sports betting integrity.
Two Cleveland Guardians pitchers, closer Emmanuel Clase and starter Luis L. Ortiz, face serious federal charges after being indicted Sunday for their alleged involvement in a gambling scheme. The U.S. Department of Justice accused the 27-year-old Clase and 26-year-old Ortiz of manipulating pitch velocity and outcomes in coordination with bettors from the Dominican Republic, receiving bribes in exchange. Prosecutors claim the scheme netted gamblers at least $460,000, with Clase's actions dating back to 2023 and Ortiz joining in June 2025.
The charges include wire fraud conspiracy, honest services wire fraud conspiracy, conspiracy to influence sporting contests by bribery, and money laundering conspiracy, carrying a potential maximum sentence of 65 years in prison if convicted on all counts. Both players have been on non-disciplinary paid administrative leave since July, when MLB began investigating unusual in-game betting activity. Clase, a three-time All-Star with a $4.5 million salary in 2025, is believed to be outside the U.S., while Ortiz was arrested at Boston Logan International Airport.
Ortiz appeared in federal court in Boston on Monday, where U.S. Magistrate Judge Donald L. Cabell granted his release on a $500,000 bond. Conditions include surrendering his passport, restricting travel to the U.S. Northeast, and avoiding contact with potential victims, witnesses, or co-defendants. His lawyer, Chris Georgalis, stated that Ortiz is innocent and has never improperly influenced a game, claiming payments were for legal activities. Clase's attorney, Michael J. Ferrara, echoed that his client is innocent and devoted to helping his team win.
In response, MLB announced Monday that authorized gaming operators, representing over 98% of the U.S. betting market, will cap wagers on pitch-level markets at $200 and exclude them from parlays. Commissioner Rob Manfred emphasized the league's commitment to game integrity since the 2018 Supreme Court decision legalizing sports betting. 'Protecting the integrity of our games for the fans' remains MLB's top priority, Manfred said. The Guardians stated they will fully cooperate with investigations.
This incident follows a broader federal crackdown on sports betting, including recent NBA arrests involving figures like Chauncey Billups and Terry Rozier.
