Federal prosecutors have charged two Cleveland Guardians pitchers – Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz – with involvement in a scheme aimed at manipulating MLB game bets and related money-laundering activity.

The charges cover several counts: conspiracy to commit fraud through electronic transfers, conspiracy to influence sporting events through bribery, conspiracy to launder funds, and other provisions, according to prosecutors.

“Ortiz was arrested earlier today in Boston, Massachusetts, and will appear at a preliminary hearing in the federal court in Boston on November 10,” said Joseph Nochela Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York.

– Joseph Nochela Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York

“Clase is not currently in U.S. custody,” added Nochela.

“There is no credible evidence that Luis intentionally did anything other than trying to win games, with every pitch and in every inning,” said attorney Chris Georgalis in a letter.

– Chris Georgalis, attorney

Clase’s attorney, Michael J. Ferrara, also said that his client “is innocent of all charges and looks forward to clearing his name in court”; Ferrara added that Clase intends to help the team win.

“Emmanuel Clase has dedicated his life to baseball and is doing everything possible to help his team win,” added Ferrara.

– Michael J. Ferrara, attorney

Both players were placed on temporary leave during the 2025 season amid the sports-betting investigation.

“We understand that law enforcement actions have taken place,” said Guardians representatives. “We are fully cooperating with law enforcement and MLB during their investigations.”

MLB also said it is cooperating with the U.S. Department of Justice in the investigation.

“MLB has, from the outset, contacted federal law enforcement and has fully cooperated throughout the process,” said a league spokesperson. “We acknowledge the charges and the arrest today, and our investigation continues.”

The charges state that “the defendants arranged in advance with cohorts for certain pitches they were to throw in MLB games. The cohorts used this information to place hundreds of fake bets on those pitches.”

According to prosecutors, Clase’s involvement in the scheme allegedly began in 2023: ongoing coordination with corrupt bettors to fabricate propositions for specific pitches he was to throw.

The bettors then placed bets on the speed and type of Clase’s pitches, based on information he had provided in advance, sometimes even during the games themselves, according to the indictment.

The DOJ contends that the bets netted at least $400,000 thanks to inside information about Clase’s pitches.

Ortiz allegedly joined the scheme in 2025, closely collaborating with Clase in coordinating with bettors about forged pitches that he was to throw.

Prosecutors say Ortiz received a total of $12,000 for intentionally taking a called strike in two MLB games; Clase allegedly received corresponding payments for helping organize Ortiz’s forged pitches, and together they netted at least $60,000 in insider information.

If convicted, Clase and Ortiz face significant prison sentences.

The investigation continues, and law enforcement and MLB emphasize their readiness to fully cooperate with the DOJ.

Note that the MLB case and related investigations are being overseen by federal authorities in Brooklyn.