Two Cleveland Guardians pitchers, Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz, were indicted by federal authorities on charges of rigging pitches to help gamblers win bets. The scheme, uncovered after unusual betting patterns, has shaken Major League Baseball and led to quick changes in gambling rules.
Details of the Indictment
Federal prosecutors in Brooklyn charged Clase and Ortiz with wire fraud conspiracy, honest services wire fraud conspiracy, conspiracy to influence sporting contests by bribery, and money laundering conspiracy. Each could face up to 65 years in prison if convicted on all counts.
The indictment claims the pitchers took bribes to throw specific pitches, like balls instead of strikes, during games. This allowed bettors to place winning wagers on pitch outcomes. Authorities say the plot started with Clase in May 2023 and Ortiz joined in June 2025. Bettors reportedly won about $450,000 from these rigged bets.
Luis Ortiz was arrested at Boston Logan International Airport and appeared in federal court in Boston. Emmanuel Clase is not yet in custody but faces the same charges. Both players had been on non-disciplinary paid leave since July 2025, when MLB began investigating high volumes of in-game bets tied to their appearances.
Prosecutors allege Clase even provided money for some bets on Ortiz, leading to at least $60,000 in winnings on a single day in June 2025.
How the Pitch Rigging Scheme Worked
The scandal centers on micro-bets, which are wagers on individual pitches rather than full game outcomes. Gamblers bet on details like whether a pitch would be a ball, strike, or a certain speed.
According to the charges, Clase and Ortiz communicated with bettors ahead of games to signal what pitches they would throw. For example, they might agree to throw a ball on the first pitch of an inning. This inside information let gamblers place sure-win bets on sportsbooks.
One key event happened in June 2025, when irregular betting money flooded in on a “first pitch of the third inning will be a ball” wager. Ortiz then threw exactly that, raising red flags.
Investigators found evidence through financial records and communications showing bribes exchanged for these guarantees. The scheme exploited the rise of legal sports betting, which has grown rapidly since the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a federal ban in 2018.
MLB’s Response and Betting Changes
Major League Baseball acted fast after the indictments. The league announced that sportsbooks will now cap bets on single pitches at $200 and ban them from parlay wagers, which combine multiple bets for bigger payouts.
This rule applies to about 98 percent of the U.S. betting market and extends to operators in Ontario, Canada. MLB aims to reduce the risk of similar schemes by limiting high-stakes micro-bets.
The league had already placed Clase and Ortiz on leave during its own probe. Now, with criminal charges filed, both players are likely banned from MLB for life if convicted, following precedents like the lifetime ban of Pete Rose in 1989 for betting on games.
Sportsbooks have also adjusted. Some have paused or limited pitch-level markets to protect integrity.
Here is a quick look at key MLB betting rule changes:
| Change | Description | Effective Date |
|---|---|---|
| Bet Cap | Limits wagers on single pitches to $200 | Immediate |
| Parlay Ban | Prohibits pitch bets in multi-event parlays | Immediate |
| Market Review | Ongoing checks for unusual betting patterns | Ongoing |
Reactions from Fans and Experts
Fans expressed shock and anger online, with many calling for stricter oversight in sports gambling. Some worry this could erode trust in baseball, a sport still healing from past scandals like the 1919 Black Sox fix.
Experts point out that athletes face temptations as betting becomes more accessible. Recent cases in other leagues, like the NBA’s lifetime ban of Jontay Porter in April 2024 for sharing info with bettors, show a growing trend.
One baseball analyst noted that young players like Ortiz, who is 26, and Clase, 27, might feel pressure from low salaries compared to betting payoffs. Guardians fans feel betrayed, especially after the team’s strong 2025 season.
Broader Impact on Pro Sports Gambling
This case highlights risks in the booming sports betting industry, now worth over $100 billion annually in the U.S. alone. Leagues like MLB, NBA, and NFL have partnered with betting companies for revenue, but scandals raise questions about game integrity.
Other recent events include a 2024 NFL player suspension for gambling policy violations and investigations in college sports. Regulators push for better monitoring, like real-time alerts for suspicious bets.
To protect sports, some suggest banning all player prop bets, which focus on individual performances. Others call for education programs to warn athletes about gambling dangers.
Key lessons from this scandal include:
- Increased scrutiny on micro-bets can prevent fixes.
- Stronger partnerships between leagues and law enforcement are essential.
- Fans should watch for signs of irregular play, like unusual pitch patterns.
What Happens Next for Clase, Ortiz, and MLB
Court proceedings will unfold in the coming months, with possible pleas or trials. If convicted, the pitchers face heavy fines alongside prison time.
MLB will likely impose its own penalties, possibly permanent bans. The Guardians must rebuild their pitching staff without these key players.
This event could lead to federal laws tightening sports betting rules. For now, it serves as a warning to athletes everywhere.
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