The Guardians’ pitch-rigging case has yet another interesting wrinkle.
During the federal trial of pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz on Friday, a government witness testified that inside information he used to bet on pitches in 2023 decreased in 2024 amid the gambling scandal surrounding Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter, ESPN reported.
Luis de Aza Baez, an Uber driver, told prosecutors that starting in 2023, he got information about Clase’s pitches from the big-leaguer’s associate, Enoc Pena, with the tips coming through a group chat titled “Uber Inc.,” which included other drivers at the time.
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani and interpreter Ippei Mizuhara arrive to a game against the White Sox in Glendale, Ariz. on Feb. 27, 2024. Getty Images
When De Aza Baez tried again during the 2024 season, however, he was told that “what was going on with Ohtani, there was no more information like that.”
In March 2024, Ohtani was surrounded by controversy after it was reported that millions of dollars were sent from the superstar’s bank account to an illegal bookmaking scheme.
Ohtani’s interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, later pleaded guilty to stealing just under $17 million from the three-time MVP to pay off gambling debts.
Mizuhara is in prison serving a 57-month sentence. Ohtani was cleared of any wrongdoing.
During Friday’s hearing for the Guardians pitchers, De Aza Baez said he was introduced to Clase by Pena and fellow co-defendant Robinson Vasquez Germosen at a birthday party on April 28, 2023.
Guardians reliever Emmanuel Clase arrives at Brooklyn federal court on Nov. 2, 2026. AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura
De Aza Baez clarified that Clase never provided him with information directly, only getting it through Pena. He did acknowledge that he “almost always” won on the reliever’s pitches.
De Aza Baez also said he agreed with the government to forfeit $69,000 in winnings tied to Clase’s performances and would “tell the truth” in exchange for the prosecution dropping a related wire fraud charge.
Clase, Ortiz and Vasquez have pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
“Our defense is the same today as it was in opening: This is a case about big talk and small bets,” Vásquez’s attorney, Todd Spodek, told ESPN after Friday’s hearing. “We’re confident leaving that judgment to the jury.”
The federal trial continues Thursday in Brooklyn.