Two pitchers for the Cleveland Guardians are facing a federal indictment over their alleged involvement in a sports betting scheme.
Luis Ortiz, 26, and Emmanuel Clase, 27, were charged Sunday with wire fraud conspiracy, honest services wire fraud conspiracy, conspiracy to influence sporting contests by bribery, and money laundering conspiracy. The pair, who both hail from the Dominican Republic, have been on paid leave since July while the investigation took place.
Clase, the Guardian’s relief pitcher, was the first to begin allegedly making pitches that he previously agreed to with sports bettors in 2023, two years after signing with the team. In return, Clase received “bribes and kickbacks” according to the indictment.
Prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Eastern District of New York cited several instances that resulted in $400,000 in alleged fraudulent wagers.
As the starting pitcher, Ortiz began participating in the scheme in 2025, the same year he signed his contract with the Guardians. Ortiz allegedly received bribes for rigged pitches that resulted in $60,000 in fraudulent wages in the single month Ortiz participated.
“As alleged, the defendants sold that trust to gamblers by fixing pitches. In doing so, the defendants deprived the Cleveland Guardians and Major League Baseball of their honest services,” U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. said in a statement.
“They defrauded the online betting platforms where the bets were placed. And they betrayed America’s pastime. Integrity, honesty and fair play are part of the DNA of professional sports,” Nocella added. “When corruption infiltrates the sport, it brings disgrace not only to the participants but damages the public trust in an institution that is vital and dear to all of us.”
Ortiz was arrested in Boston on Sunday. Clase was not in custody at the time of the press release.
EASY SPORTS BETTING HURT SOCIETY. IT’S ONLY GOING TO GET WORSE
“MLB contacted federal law enforcement at the outset of its investigation and has fully cooperated throughout the process. We are aware of the indictment and today’s arrest, and our investigation is ongoing,” the league told the Washington Examiner, while the Guardians said, “We are aware of the recent law enforcement action. We will continue to fully cooperate with both law enforcement and Major League Baseball as their investigations.”
This indictment follows the arrest of 31 people with current and former ties to the NBA over another sports betting scandal. Hall of Famer Chauncey Billups, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, and former NBA player and assistant coach Damon Jones were among those arrested.
