Federal Prosecutors Expand Case Against Guardians’ Emmanuel Clase in Alleged Pitch-Fixing Scandal
CLEVELAND - The legal case surrounding Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase took a dramatic turn this week, as federal prosecutors revealed that the scope of his alleged pitch-fixing extended far beyond initial reports. According to newly filed court documents, Clase is accused of throwing rigged pitches in 48 games over a 26-month span - a significant jump from the nine games originally cited when the indictment was unsealed back in November.
This latest development adds a new layer of complexity to a case that has already sent shockwaves through Major League Baseball. Clase, a three-time All-Star and Cleveland’s all-time leader in saves with 181, now finds himself at the center of one of the most serious integrity scandals the sport has faced in years.
Prosecutors allege that Clase, along with teammate and co-defendant Luis Ortiz, accepted thousands of dollars in bribes to manipulate the speed and outcome of pitches - actions that helped two unnamed gamblers in the Dominican Republic win at least $460,000. The alleged scheme, which dates back to 2023, has drawn the attention of both federal authorities and MLB’s own investigative arm.
Ortiz, who was acquired from the Pirates ahead of the 2025 season, is also facing charges, though his legal team is pushing hard to separate his case from Clase’s. In a filing submitted Thursday, Ortiz’s attorneys argued that the two players should not be tried together, citing what they describe as a stark difference in their level of involvement.
According to Ortiz’s defense, there is no evidence directly linking him to communications with bettors. They contend that trying him alongside Clase - whose alleged pattern of behavior spans two years and dozens of games - would unfairly prejudice a jury and potentially lead to a conviction by association.
Both players have pleaded not guilty to a slate of serious federal charges, including wire fraud conspiracy, honest services wire fraud conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy, and conspiracy to influence sporting events by bribery. If convicted, they face up to 65 years in prison.
MLB, for its part, has reiterated that it is cooperating fully with federal authorities as its own internal investigation continues. Both Clase and Ortiz were placed on paid administrative leave in July, and league discipline - including possible lifetime bans - remains a looming possibility.
Ortiz, who made 16 appearances for the Guardians in 2025, went 4-9 with a 4.36 ERA over 88 2/3 innings. While his role on the field was more limited, the legal stakes for both players are anything but.
A trial is currently scheduled for May 4, and barring a plea deal or dismissal, the baseball world will be watching closely. The outcome could have lasting implications not only for Clase and Ortiz, but for how MLB handles gambling-related misconduct in the years ahead.