In a shocking development that echoes baseball’s darkest past, two Cleveland Guardians pitchers, Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz, have been indicted on federal charges for their alleged roles in an elaborate scheme of MLB Pitchers Rigging Bets. The indictment was unsealed on Sunday by federal prosecutors, who charged the pitchers with multiple serious felonies, including Wire Fraud Conspiracy and Conspiracy to Influence Sporting Contests by Bribery.
The charges allege that the All-Star closer Clase and starting pitcher Ortiz took bribes and kickbacks, primarily from international gamblers, to intentionally manipulate the outcomes of in-game proposition bets. The scheme required the players to throw predetermined pitches—such as intentional balls or pitches within specific velocity ranges—to ensure the corrupt bettors won their wagers. This complex bribery operation allegedly benefited the gamblers by at least $460,000.
Authorities stated that the scheme involving Clase may have begun as early as May 2023, with Ortiz reportedly joining the operation in June 2025. Both players had been placed on non-disciplinary paid leave by MLB since July, following unusual betting activity flagged by major sportsbooks. MLB stated it fully cooperated with federal law enforcement throughout the investigation.
The scandal marks one of the most significant betting controversies in baseball since the ban of Pete Rose. While Ortiz was arrested by the FBI in Boston and is expected in court, the status of Clase remains uncertain. The indictment for MLB Pitchers Rigging Bets not only threatens the careers of the two players but casts a renewed shadow over the integrity of modern professional sports betting.
