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Baseball stars Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz were thrown a curveball when federal prosecutors accused them of rigging pitches and receiving monetary kickbacks from shady gamblers who pocketed at least $450,000 in winnings.
The two hurlers — who play for the Cleveland Guardians — were indicted on fraud and bribery charges, according to ESPN.
Lawmen allege that Clase, 27, was in cahoots with a gambler as early as May 2023 to throw specific pitches so that speculators could place prop bets regarding speed and type, and charge Ortiz, 26, joined the scheme in June 2025.
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Both players were allegedly paid for their participation in the plot, according to the recently unsealed federal indictment.
Joseph Nocella Jr., the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of New York, states that Clase and Ortiz “deprived the Cleveland Guardians and Major League Baseball of their honest services.”
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Nocella adds, “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 sport, it brings disgrace not only to the participants, but damages the public trust in an institution that is vital and dear to all of us.”
Ortiz has pleaded not guilty and his lawyer Chris Georgalis says of his client, per People: “He has never, and would never, improperly influence a game — not for anyone and not for anything.”
Clase, a three-time All-Star, and Ortiz were placed on non-disciplinary paid leave by MLB in July after betting integrity firms flagged irregular wagering on a pair of pitches thrown by Ortiz during the prior month.
Attorney Michael J. Ferrara insists his client Chase — who has pleaded not guilty — is “innocent of all charges and looks forward to clearing his name in court.”