Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz were indicted for allegedly accepting bribes to throw pitches that would help gamblers win. Prosecutors say these actions contributed to at least $460,000 in winnings. The indictment covers games from 2023 to 2025 and details several pitches reportedly manipulated for in-game prop bets.
Emmanuel Clase Allegedly Manipulated Pitches
Emmanuel Clase, the Guardians’ closer, is named in multiple instances where prosecutors say he altered pitch placement and speed to meet gambling predictions.
May 19, 2023: Clase allegedly threw a 98.5 mph cutter low and inside to Starling Marte of the Mets. This matched a $27,000 bet predicting a pitch above 94.95 mph. Marte flied out, but the Mets rallied to win 10-9. Clase took the loss.
June 3, 2023: Prosecutors say Clase threw an 89.4 mph slider to Ryan Jeffers that hit catcher Mike Zunino’s shoulder. This aligned with a $38,000 bet predicting a ball or hit-by-pitch under 94.95 mph. Clase later secured the save in a 4-2 win.
June 7, 2023: Clase reportedly threw a 91.4 mph slider to Jarren Duran at the start of the ninth inning. The $58,000 bet predicted a ball or hit-by-pitch under 94.95 mph. Duran walked, but Clase finished the save in a 5-3 victory.
Clase is also cited in several 2025 games where prosecutors say he used slower sliders or cutters to meet bet conditions. These included outings against Kansas City, Philadelphia, Milwaukee, Cincinnati, and Los Angeles, involving bets ranging from $3,500 to $15,000. The indictment notes one instance where Clase exchanged GIFs with a bettor after a threatening message.
Luis Ortiz Allegedly Involved
Luis Ortiz is cited in two games in June 2025:
June 15, 2025: Ortiz allegedly threw an 86.7 mph slider to Randy Arozarena, matching a $13,000 bet predicting a ball. Arozarena walked and later scored in a five-run inning.
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June 27, 2025: Ortiz reportedly threw an 86.7 mph slider to Pedro Pagés, linked to an $18,000 bet. Pagés reached the backstop, homered on the next pitch, and the Cardinals won 5-0.
Scope and Legal Implications
The indictment alleges a clear pattern of manipulating pitches to favor gamblers. If convicted, Clase and Ortiz could face serious criminal penalties. MLB rules prohibit players from influencing games for gambling purposes. The league may conduct its own review, potentially resulting in suspensions or fines.
Sports Betting in Major League Baseball
Sports betting has expanded in the U.S. since the Supreme Court removed federal restrictions in 2018. MLB has partnerships with regulators to prevent betting-related corruption. Players must report any attempts to influence games.
This case highlights the challenge of maintaining integrity amid the growth of legal betting. Prop bets, which rely on pitch speed, placement, or specific in-game results, are particularly vulnerable to manipulation.
Next Steps
Clase and Ortiz are expected to appear in federal court for arraignment. Prosecutors will use digital messages and financial records as evidence. MLB officials emphasized the need for transparency and strict adherence to conduct rules to protect the sport’s integrity.
Fans, teams, and league officials are watching closely, as the case could shape how MLB monitors gambling and player conduct in the future.
Source: AP News – A closer look at the pitches by Clase, Ortiz cited in sporting gambling indictment
