The U.S. Department of Justice announced formal federal indictments Sunday against Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz. Both players face multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to influence sporting contests through bribery, and money laundering conspiracy.
The allegations involve manipulating bets placed on specific pitches thrown during Major League Baseball games.
Ortiz was arrested Sunday morning in Boston and will appear in court Monday, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan. Clase remains free and has not been taken into custody.
BREAKING: Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz have been indicted by prosecutors in Brooklyn on a host of charges related to a scheme to rig bets on pitches thrown in MLB games. Ortiz was arrested in Boston earlier today. Clase is not currently in custody.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) November 9, 2025
Federal prosecutors claim Clase’s alleged involvement dates back to May 2023, while Ortiz’s participation reportedly began in June 2025. The schemes allegedly produced roughly $700,000 in winnings for bettors connected to Clase and approximately $60,000 linked to Ortiz.
Both players face potential prison sentences of up to 65 years if convicted on all counts. Moreover, the indictment outlines how the pitchers allegedly coordinated with co-conspirators by agreeing beforehand to throw specific pitch types and speeds.
Bettors used that advanced information to place wagers on those exact outcomes. Prosecutors assert both players received bribes and kickbacks for their roles in the manipulation.
Clase pitched in 48 games before the Guardians placed him on administrative leave in late July. His season statistics included a 3.23 ERA and a 3.92 strikeout-to-walk ratio alongside 0.7 Wins Above Replacement per Baseball Reference.
The investigation began after MLB’s betting-integrity firm flagged unusual activity surrounding Ortiz earlier in the summer. The firm identified two pitches that drew exceptionally high wagering volumes on specific outcomes.
When those exact outcomes occurred, league officials launched a formal inquiry. Ortiz was subsequently placed on leave as investigators examined the pattern.
Major League Baseball notified federal law enforcement at the start of the investigation. The league confirmed its cooperation with authorities as the case developed into federal criminal charges against both pitchers.
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