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.

• 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

The post Cleveland Guardians Pitchers Indicted for Alleged Sports Betting Scheme appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

Atlanta Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar has been handed an 80-game suspension without pay after testing positive for a banned performance-enhancing drug, Chorionic Gonadotrophin (hCG), Major League Baseball (MLB) announced Monday. The hormone, known to aid in testosterone production, violates the league’s drug prevention and treatment program.

The suspension is effective immediately, making Profar ineligible to return until June 29 against the Philadelphia Phillies—barring any postponements. Additionally, he will forfeit $5.8 million of his $12 million salary and will be barred from postseason play.

This marks the second PED-related suspension for the Braves, following pitcher Andrew McKirahan’s 80-game ban in 2015.

In a heartfelt statement, Profar described this as the most difficult day of his baseball career, expressing disbelief over the test result:

“Anyone who knows me and has seen me play knows I am deeply passionate about the game. There is nothing I love more than competing with my teammates and being a fan favorite. I want to apologize to the entire Braves organization, my teammates, and the fans.”

Profar also emphasized that he has never knowingly taken a banned substance:

“I have been tested my entire career, including eight times last season alone, and have never tested positive. I would never willingly take a banned substance, but I take full responsibility and accept MLB’s decision.”

Braves’ Response and Team Outlook

Braves manager Brian Snitker addressed the situation but declined to share details of his conversation with Profar:

“He hated it, and we hate it for him.”

Despite the setback, Snitker sees this as an opportunity for another player to step up:

“It’s an opportunity for somebody else to step in and do something really good.”

The Braves have faced significant adversity in recent years, including the devastating loss of four-time All-Star Ronald Acuña Jr. to an ACL tear last May. However, Snitker remains confident in his team’s resilience:

“They’ve been tasked with handling a lot of things over the last few years, and they’re a really good group about doing it. They’re going to keep fighting and working.”

At 32 years old, Profar is coming off a career-best season with the San Diego Padres, where he hit .280 with 24 home runs and 85 RBIs, earning an All-Star selection and a Silver Slugger Award. He signed a three-year, $42 million deal with the Braves in the offseason.

In response to Profar’s absence, the Braves traded for outfielder Stuart Fairchild from the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for cash. Fairchild, 29, hit .215 with eight homers and 30 RBIs last season.

Profar is now the fourth player suspended under MLB’s performance-enhancing substance policy this year, following suspensions under both the minor league and international programs.

Last year, two MLB players were also suspended:

• Noelvi Marté (Cincinnati Reds) – 80 games for Boldenone.
• Orelvis Martínez (Toronto Blue Jays) – 80 games for Clomiphene, just two days after his MLB debut.

Profar’s suspension is a major blow to the Braves’ lineup, but with a history of overcoming challenges, the team is determined to push forward. As Profar serves his suspension, the Braves will rely on their depth to maintain their competitive edge in the 2024 MLB season.

Source: AP News – Braves’ Jurickson Profar gets 80-game PED ban, calls it ‘most difficult day’ of his career

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