Guardians starter Luis Ortiz (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
The NBA betting scandal has dominated headlines in recent weeks, but Major League Baseball now finds itself facing gambling issues of its own.
Cleveland Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase and starting pitcher Luis Ortiz were allegedly involved in a scheme last summer to intentionally rig pitches in exchange for payments from bettors, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan. The two have been charged with conspiracy, fraud, and bribery, and face up to 65 years in prison combined if found guilty on all counts.
Ortiz was arrested Sunday in Boston and is scheduled to appear in court Monday, while Clase has not been taken into custody. Prosecutors say the scheme dates back to May 2023, when Clase allegedly threw intentional balls in exchange for payments from bettors. Ortiz reportedly joined the conspiracy this past summer.
The prop bets generated roughly $450,000 in winnings for the bettors, with both pitchers receiving a portion of the profits.
“The defendants deprived the Cleveland Guardians and Major League Baseball of their honest services,” said Joseph Nocella Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District. “They defrauded the online betting platforms where the bets were placed, and they betrayed America’s pastime. Integrity, honesty, and fair play are part of the DNA of professional sports. When corruption infiltrates the game, it brings disgrace not only to the participants but also damages public trust in an institution that is vital and dear to all of us.”
Major League Baseball placed both pitchers on non-disciplinary leave over the summer after betting firms flagged irregular activity linked to pitches thrown by the two right-handers. Clase, a three-time All-Star and two-time Reliever of the Year, was once regarded as one of the top closers in baseball.
Baseball has largely avoided major betting scandals in recent decades, though its rules on gambling remain strict. Pete Rose, who was banned from baseball in the late 1980s for betting on games, remains ineligible for the Hall of Fame as a result.
If found guilty, Clase and Ortiz could face lifetime bans from MLB — in addition to potential prison sentences.