Spring Training Begins in Cleveland: Guardians Face Drama, Decisions, and a Full Broadcast Slate
The Cleveland Guardians have officially reported for spring training, and while the games don’t start for another week, the storylines are already heating up in Arizona. From legal battles involving two pitchers to broadcast updates and even a name change for a rising rookie, it’s been a busy first 48 hours at camp. Let’s break down what’s happening as the Guardians ramp up for 2026.
Trouble on the Mound: Clase and Ortiz Headed for a Legal Showdown
The biggest storyline-by far-is the growing rift between relievers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz, both of whom are under federal indictment for their roles in an alleged pitch rigging scheme. While the two were initially linked as co-defendants, Ortiz’s legal team is now distancing their client from Clase in a major way.
According to court filings, Ortiz's attorney claims that Clase shared Ortiz’s pitching strategies with bettors-without Ortiz’s knowledge. That’s a serious allegation, and it’s a key part of Ortiz’s attempt to have his case separated from Clase’s.
The goal? To argue that Ortiz was a victim, not a co-conspirator.
The charges against Ortiz remain limited to two pitches, but the case against Clase appears to be growing. The volume of evidence federal investigators have compiled is staggering: over 60,000 audio messages, 19,000 PDFs, 8,000 videos, and 8,000 photos reportedly exchanged between Clase and a bettor. That’s not just a paper trail-it’s a digital mountain.
Clase has already drawn attention for violating phone use protocols, which doesn’t help his case. And while both pitchers have pleaded not guilty, their legal strategies are diverging fast.
Clase is pushing for a speedy trial, while Ortiz is asking for more time to prepare. Their court date is set for May 4, but don’t be surprised if that timeline shifts.
Though Clase has been cleared to travel to Arizona to meet with his agent and train at approved facilities, neither he nor Ortiz can step foot on any MLB grounds. That means they’re physically close to camp, but worlds away from the team.
The Guardians had hoped this saga would be resolved before spring training. Instead, it’s likely to linger well into the season.
Guardians Fans, Get Ready to Tune In: 10 Spring Games Will Be Televised
On a more upbeat note, there’s good news for fans eager to get a look at the 2026 squad: the Guardians will have 10 spring training games available to stream on Guardians TV.
The broadcast team of Matt Underwood, Rick Manning, and Andre Knott will be back on the call for the spring opener on February 21 and the finale on March 22. For the eight other games, fans can catch the simulcast with radio voices Tom Hamilton and Jim Rosenhaus.
Here’s the full slate of broadcast games:
- Feb. 21 vs. Reds - 3:05 p.m.
ET
- Feb. 28 vs.
White Sox - 3:05 p.m. ET
- March 1 vs. Rockies - 3:05 p.m.
ET
- March 3 vs.
Dodgers - 3:05 p.m. ET
- March 6 vs. Angels - 3:05 p.m.
ET
- March 7 vs.
Padres - 3:05 p.m. ET
- March 16 vs. Cubs - 9:05 p.m.
ET
- March 17 at Reds - 9:05 p.m.
ET
- March 20 vs.
Mariners - 4:05 p.m. ET
- March 22 vs. Reds - 3:05 p.m.
ET
Streaming access is available for $99 through CleGuardians.TV, and that subscription includes all 10 televised spring training games. For a fan base eager to see how the roster shakes out under the Arizona sun, it’s a solid investment.
Rookie Watch: CJ Kayfus Drops the Dots
In lighter news, rookie CJ Kayfus has made an official call on something that won’t impact his swing-but will affect your scorebook. The Guardians announced that the young outfielder will now go by “CJ” without the periods. It’s a small change, but one that fans, broadcasters, and statheads alike will want to note heading into the season.
Kayfus, whose full name is Collin Joseph, had previously said he didn’t care either way. But now it’s official: no dots, just CJ.
What’s Next?
The Guardians’ spring opener is just around the corner, and while the team continues to deal with off-field distractions, there’s still plenty of baseball to focus on. Position battles, prospect development, and a new season of possibilities are all on deck. But make no mistake-the legal drama surrounding Clase and Ortiz is going to cast a long shadow until it’s resolved.
Still, between the on-field action and the off-field intrigue, one thing’s for sure: there’s no shortage of storylines in Cleveland this spring.