BREAKING: Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz have been indicted by federal prosecutors for their alleged involvement in a scheme to rig bets on individual pitches during Major League Baseball (MLB) games. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York unsealed the indictment just hours ago, outlining serious charges including wire fraud conspiracy and bribery.
Authorities report that Ortiz was arrested in Boston this morning, while Clase remains at large. The indictment raises alarming concerns about integrity in the sport, particularly as legalized sports gambling continues to expand across the U.S.
This case is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities within professional sports, with many questioning the trustworthiness of athletes in the wake of this scandal. The implications for the MLB and the Cleveland Guardians are profound, as both organizations grapple with the fallout from these explosive allegations.
The indictment details that Clase began conspiring with bettors in May 2023, aiming to influence “prop bets” on his pitches by providing insider information regarding pitch types and speeds. Ortiz allegedly joined the conspiracy in June 2025, accepting bribes of $5,000 and $7,000 for deliberately throwing balls during games on June 15 and June 27, respectively.
Prosecutors allege that both players could face up to 65 years in prison if convicted on all counts. The MLB has placed both players on administrative leave as part of an ongoing investigation, which has also been referred to federal law enforcement.
“Professional athletes hold a position of trust—not only with their teammates but with fans who believe in fair play,” stated U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr.. “As alleged, the defendants sold that trust to gamblers by fixing pitches.”
Evidence presented in the indictment includes communications that show Clase attempting to execute a non-competitive pitch on May 28, 2025. However, the plan was thwarted when the batter unexpectedly swung and missed. These actions reflect a disturbing trend of betrayal in America’s pastime, prompting authorities to take swift action.
The FBI has echoed concerns over the integrity of sports, with Assistant Director Christopher Raia emphasizing the seriousness of the players’ alleged actions. “The defendants’ greed not only established an unfair advantage for select bettors but also sullied the reputation of America’s pastime,” Raia stated.
As the situation unfolds, Ortiz is scheduled to appear in federal court in Boston tomorrow, while investigators continue to search for Clase. Both the DOJ and the MLB have committed to a thorough investigation, emphasizing their dedication to preserving the integrity of the sport.
Fans and stakeholders in the sports world are left to grapple with the implications of this scandal, raising critical questions about the future of betting in sports and the trustworthiness of professional athletes. With investigations ongoing, more details are expected to emerge in the coming days.
This urgent update highlights the critical need for transparency and integrity in sports, as both organizations and fans await further developments in this troubling case.
