Cleveland Guardians Pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz Indicted Over Pitch‑Rigging Scheme, Sources Say
Cleveland Guardians relievers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz were formally indicted on Thursday for allegedly participating in an elaborate pitch‑rigging scheme that violated Major League Baseball’s gambling and integrity policies. The indictment follows a months‑long investigation that began after the two pitchers were placed on administrative leave in July while the league examined possible infractions related to the manipulation of pitch selection and timing during games.
According to court documents, prosecutors allege that the pitchers conspired with undisclosed individuals to exchange information that could influence the outcome of specific at‑bats, thereby breaching MLB’s strict rules against betting on baseball and any conduct that undermines the sport’s competitive integrity. The scheme reportedly involved covert communications and the use of coded signals to alter pitch sequences in exchange for financial compensation. MLB’s investigation, conducted in cooperation with federal authorities, concluded that the alleged conduct warranted criminal charges in addition to the league’s internal disciplinary process.
League officials declined to comment on the specifics of the case but reiterated their commitment to preserving the integrity of the game. The Guardians issued a brief statement expressing disappointment and noting that the organization will cooperate fully with both the league and law‑enforcement agencies. Legal experts familiar with sports‑related fraud indicated that the indictment could lead to substantial penalties, including suspensions, fines, and possible bans from professional baseball, depending on the outcome of the criminal proceedings.
The indictment arrives amid heightened scrutiny of gambling-related activities in professional sports, following several high‑profile cases in recent years. MLB has pledged to strengthen its monitoring systems and educate players about prohibited conduct. Should the charges result in convictions, the case could set a precedent for how the league handles similar violations in the future, potentially prompting stricter enforcement measures and more robust compliance programs across all clubs.
