Guardians Pitchers Indicted in Alleged MLB Betting Scheme
Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz have been indicted for allegedly rigging bets in Major League Baseball games. The indictment was issued earlier this week in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York and announced Sunday by the Department of Justice.
Details of the Case
Emmanuel Clase, a three-time All-Star and two-time Mariano Rivera American League Reliever of the Year, is accused of manipulating his pitches to benefit bettors. Investigators claim he tipped off bettors about the types of pitches he would throw and their timing. At times, Clase allegedly communicated this information via cellphone during games.
Charges Filed
- Wire fraud conspiracy
- Honest services wire fraud conspiracy
- Conspiracy to influence sporting contests by bribery
- Money laundering conspiracy
Both players face these four charges. If convicted on all counts, they could face up to 65 years in prison.
Current Status
- Luis Ortiz was arrested Sunday in Boston and is scheduled for a federal court appearance on Monday.
- Clase remains free and is not in custody in the United States.
“MLB contacted federal law enforcement at the outset of its investigation and has fully cooperated throughout the process,” Major League Baseball told ESPN.
Summary: Two Cleveland Guardians pitchers face serious federal charges for allegedly fixing MLB game bets, risking lengthy prison sentences if convicted.