Urgent: Clase and Ortiz Indicted in Shocking Pitch-Rigging Scheme
BREAKING: Former Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz have been indicted for their alleged involvement in a shocking pitch-rigging gambling scheme, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of New York. This development comes just weeks after indictments were issued against an NBA player and coaches for similar gambling-related offenses, marking a troubling trend in sports.
The indictment, unsealed on October 22, 2023, alleges that Clase and Ortiz manipulated their pitching performance to benefit unnamed bettors, receiving kickbacks for their actions. The scheme reportedly led to over $400,000 in winnings for those placing bets on the location and velocity of their pitches. The U.S. Attorney’s Office stated, “Through this scheme, the defendants defrauded betting platforms and betrayed America’s pastime.”
The scandal is especially alarming as Clase has been a standout closer in the MLB, known for his accolades as a three-time All-Star and a two-time winner of the Mariano Rivera Reliever of the Year award. Ortiz, a 26-year-old right-handed starter, was acquired by the Guardians in December 2022. The indictment claims that the pitch-rigging started as early as May 2023, targeting specific bets on whether an individual pitch would be a strike or a ball.
According to court documents, on June 15, Ortiz’s first pitch of the second inning was manipulated to be a ball, coinciding with a $13,000 wager placed by two bettors. Ortiz allegedly received $5,000 for this pitch, while Clase reportedly facilitated the scheme for the same amount. Just twelve days later, both players engaged in another pitch manipulation during a game against the St. Louis Cardinals, resulting in $7,000 payments for each.
The investigation was initiated after a betting integrity firm flagged unusual activity surrounding Ortiz’s pitches, prompting further scrutiny from the U.S. Attorney’s Office and Major League Baseball (MLB). As a consequence, both players have been placed on non-disciplinary paid administrative leave while the investigation continues.
In response to the growing concerns over pitch manipulation, MLB announced on October 23, 2023, that its authorized sportsbook partners will impose a $200 limit on wagers related to individual pitches. Pitch-level wagers will also no longer be allowed in parlays, aiming to mitigate potential manipulation schemes.
The implications of this scandal are far-reaching. If MLB finds sufficient evidence to discipline Clase and Ortiz, they could face severe consequences, including potential lifetime bans under Rule 21, which prohibits players from betting on baseball. This rule was recently enforced against San Diego Padres infielder Tucupita Marcano, who received a lifetime ban after placing over 400 bets on baseball.
As the investigation unfolds, both Clase and Ortiz maintain their innocence, with their attorneys adamantly denying the charges. Clase’s attorney stated he “looks forward to clearing his name in court.” The Guardians have indicated that no additional players or personnel are expected to be implicated in the investigation, a sentiment echoed by sources close to the team.
With the MLB’s investigation still active, the sports community watches closely. The outcome may not only impact the players involved but could reshape the landscape of sports betting as regulations tighten in light of these alarming revelations. Fans and stakeholders alike are left wondering: what will happen next?
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
