Guardians’ Emmanuel Clase, Luis Ortiz Indicted for Pitch Tampering
The Cleveland Guardians are facing serious allegations following the indictment of pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz. Prosecutors from Brooklyn have charged the two players in connection with a scheme to manipulate bets on pitches during Major League Baseball (MLB) games.
Indictment Details
The 23-page indictment, filed in the Eastern District of New York, outlines the purported plan that dates back to May 2023. The scheme involved players purposely throwing pitches as balls or strikes, allowing bettors to wager on the outcome. Emmanuel Clase was initially involved, followed by Luis Ortiz.
Arrest and Charges
Ortiz was arrested in Boston on a Sunday morning, while Clase remains at large and is not in custody. Both players face serious charges, including:
- Fraud
- Conspiracy
- Bribery
Financial Transactions
According to the indictment, Ortiz received $5,000 for deliberately throwing a ball on June 15. Likewise, Clase allegedly facilitated this pitch and was compensated with a similar amount. The two are accused of repeating this action on June 27, receiving $7,000 each for the subsequent pitch.
Potential Consequences
If convicted on all counts, Clase and Ortiz could each face a significant prison sentence of up to 65 years.
Response from Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball has issued a statement indicating their full cooperation with federal law enforcement since the investigation began. They acknowledged awareness of the indictment and the recent arrest, emphasizing that their investigation is ongoing.
