Two Cleveland Guardians pitchers face federal trial for allegedly rigging pitches to help sports bettors win hundreds of thousands of dollars through coordinated fraud.
At a Glance
- Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz are scheduled for trial on May 4, 2026, on charges of pitch-rigging conspiracy
- Prosecutors allege Clase conspired with bettors starting in 2023, generating at least $400,000 in fraudulent wagers
- Clase allegedly threw rigged pitches on first at-bats, often in the dirt to ensure ball calls
- Ortiz allegedly joined the scheme in 2025, agreeing to throw specific pitches in exchange for bribes
- Both defendants have pleaded not guilty; the trial is expected to last approximately two weeks
Trial Date Set for Spring 2026
Federal Judge Kiyo Matsumoto scheduled the trial for May 4, 2026, during a status conference held on December 2 in Brooklyn federal court. The judge indicated the trial could extend approximately two weeks.
Both Clase and Ortiz appeared in court, and federal prosecutors confirmed they have not yet extended plea offers to either defendant. The decision to proceed to trial signals prosecutors’ confidence in their case against the two pitchers.
#Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz were back in a Brooklyn federal courthouse today and are facing a May trial on federal charges that they took bribes to help gamblers betting on their pitches. @wkyc @WKYCSports pic.twitter.com/HRmMb7Z9Et
— Nick Camino (@NickCaminoWKYC) December 2, 2025
Alleged Pitch-Rigging Conspiracy Details
According to the indictment, Clase began conspiring with sports bettors in 2023 to rig specific pitches during MLB games. Bettors used advanced information about Clase’s intended pitches to place prop bets worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Prosecutors allege Clase often threw these rigged pitches on the first pitch of at-bats, frequently throwing them in the dirt well outside the strike zone to ensure they were called as balls. In exchange for his participation, Clase allegedly received bribes and kickbacks from the bettors.
Financial Impact and Bribery Allegations
The indictment includes numerous specific examples of allegedly rigged pitches. Investigators determined that through his pitch-rigging activities, Clase caused co-conspirator bettors to win at least $400,000 in fraudulent wagers.
Luis Ortiz allegedly joined the scheme more recently in 2025, agreeing in advance to throw balls instead of strikes during pitches in two games in exchange for bribes and kickbacks. Both players have pleaded not guilty to all charges.
