Guardians’ Emmanuel Clase, Luis Ortiz Charged in Illegal Sports Betting Scandal
Two pitchers for the Cleveland Guardians, Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz, have been indicted in connection with an alleged illegal sports betting scandal. The indictment was made public during proceedings in Brooklyn, New York. Charges include wire fraud conspiracy, honest services wire fraud conspiracy, conspiracy to influence sporting contests by bribery, and money laundering conspiracy.
Details of the Charges
According to the 23-page indictment, the allegations involve rigging pitches to benefit specific bettors. The two players have been on paid leave since July 2023 due to these serious allegations. If convicted, they could face a combined total of up to 65 years in prison. This includes:
- 20 years for wire fraud conspiracy
- 20 years for honest services wire fraud conspiracy
- 5 years for conspiracy to influence sporting contests by bribery
- 20 years for money laundering conspiracy
The alleged misconduct began with Clase around May 2023, while Ortiz is accused of joining the scheme in June 2025.
Allegations Against Clase and Ortiz
The indictment claims that Clase and his co-conspirators earned over $400,000 in winnings, while Ortiz was involved in generating more than $60,000 in winnings. The investigation indicated that Clase often threw misleading pitches that were out of the strike zone, ensuring they would not be called strikes.
Documents state that Clase received illicit payments from bettors and sometimes provided advance funds for betting activities. In specific instances, Ortiz allegedly colluded with others prior to his pitching appearances, agreeing to throw rigged balls during games on June 15 and June 27, 2025.
Monetary Transactions
The indictment details financial transactions between Clase and his associates, noting a withdrawal of $50,000 prior to a game and a $15,000 transfer to fund a wager on Ortiz’s rigged pitch. Reports suggest that bettors promised Ortiz $12,000 for his role in the scheme.
Responses from Legal Representatives
Both players have denied the allegations. Clase’s agent highlighted his client’s commitment to baseball and his intention to clear his name in court. Ortiz’s attorney asserted his client’s innocence, claiming that any financial transactions he engaged in were lawful and unconnected to the allegations of betting irregularities.
Impact on the Cleveland Guardians
This scandal marks a troubling development for the Cleveland Guardians organization, particularly for players like Clase and Ortiz. Both were seen as vital components of the team’s roster. The league’s investigation was initiated following irregular betting patterns observed by the Ohio Casino Control Commission.
Major League Baseball (MLB) has confirmed its cooperation with law enforcement regarding the ongoing investigation. The Guardians have also stated their commitment to collaborating with both MLB and law enforcement during this process.
MLB Regulations
Major League Baseball’s Rule 21 outlines strict penalties for players involved in gambling-related activities, reinforcing the league’s commitment to maintaining integrity within the sport. The Guardians management emphasized the importance of understanding these rules among players.
The developments regarding Clase and Ortiz’s cases underscore a serious concern for the MLB as it seeks to uphold fair play in professional sports.
