In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through Major League Baseball, Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz have been indicted by federal prosecutors in Brooklyn on multiple charges related to an alleged scheme to manipulate in-game betting outcomes by rigging the timing and type of pitches thrown during MLB games.
According to prosecutors, the alleged scheme involved coordinating specific pitch types and sequences in order to influence live betting odds and player prop wagers. These bets were reportedly placed through third parties with ties to illegal gambling operations.
BREAKING: Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz have been indicted by prosecutors in Brooklyn on a host of charges related to a scheme to rig bets on pitches thrown in MLB games. Ortiz was arrested in Boston earlier today. Clase is not currently in custody.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) November 9, 2025
Who Are the Players Involved?
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Emmanuel Clase is one of the top closers in baseball. A two-time All-Star, he led the league in saves and has been considered a cornerstone of Cleveland’s bullpen.
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Luis Ortiz, a right-handed reliever, has split time between the majors and Triple-A. .
Both players could face up to 65 years in prison if convicted of all charges.
Key Details of the Indictment
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Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz have been formally indicted in the Eastern District of New York.
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Luis Ortiz was arrested earlier today in Boston without incident, authorities confirmed.
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Clase is not currently in custody, and his legal team has not yet released a statement.
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Prosecutors allege both pitchers communicated with individuals outside MLB to coordinate pitch outcomes for financial gain.
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The investigation reportedly began after irregular betting patterns were detected by sportsbooks and forwarded to federal authorities.
What the Charges Include
While the full indictment has yet to be unsealed publicly, federal officials say the charges may include:
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Wire fraud
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Conspiracy to commit sports bribery
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Sports bribery under federal gambling statutes
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Obstruction of justice (pending confirmation)
If convicted, both players could face serious prison time, permanent expulsion from Major League Baseball, and significant fines.
MLB and Cleveland Guardians Respond
The Cleveland Guardians have issued a brief statement acknowledging the indictment:
“We are aware of the legal situation involving Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz. We are cooperating fully with Major League Baseball and federal authorities. At this time, we will not be making further comment as this is an ongoing legal matter.”
Major League Baseball is also reportedly conducting its own investigation and could place both players on immediate administrative leave under the league’s Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Child Abuse Policy, which is also used in matters of criminal conduct.
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