MLB Players Luis Ortiz and Emmanuel Clase Indicted for Allegedly Rigging Bets Based on Pitches By Charlotte Phillipp

Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz are facing fraud and bribery charges after federal prosecutors allege they rigged pitches that allowed gamblers to win hundreds of thousands of dollars.

According to a report from ESPN’s Jeff Passan, an indictment that was unsealed by federal prosecutors in the Eastern District of New York on Sunday, Nov. 9, showed that Clase, 27, and Ortiz, 26, were charged with fraud, conspiracy and bribery conspiracy stemming from the alleged rigged pitching scheme.

The outlet reported that Ortiz was arrested on Sunday in Boston and is set to make his first court appearance Monday, Nov. 10. Clase is not in custody.

Prosecutors allege that Clase worked with a gambler as early as May 2023 to throw specific pitches so that they could place prop bets — a wager on a specific occurrence during a game — and profit.

Ortiz allegedly joined the scheme in June 2025, ESPN reported, and gamblers won at least $450,000 wagering on both of the athlete’s pitches. Both players were allegedly paid for their participation in the scheme, prosecutors claim in the indictment.

Joseph Nocella Jr., the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District, said in a statement to ESPN that Clase and Ortiz “deprived the Cleveland Guardians and Major League Baseball of their honest services.”

“They defrauded the online betting platforms where the bets were placed. And they betrayed America’s pastime,” Nocella continued. “Integrity, honesty and fair play are part of the DNA of professional sports. When corruption infiltrates the sport, it brings disgrace not only to the participants, but damages the public trust in an institution that is vital and dear to all of us.”

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In a statement to PEOPLE, Ortiz’s lawyer, Chris Georgalis, said the pitcher denies all the allegations against him.

“He has never, and would never, improperly influence a game — not for anyone and not for anything,” the statement said.

“There is no credible evidence Luis knowingly did anything other than try to win games, with every pitch and in every inning. Luis looks forward to fighting these charges in court. The government’s case is weak and circumstantial. He will defend himself, and he will be prevail,” the statement continued.

In a statement to ESPN, Major League Baseball said: “MLB contacted federal law enforcement at the outset of its investigation and has fully cooperated throughout the process. We are aware of the indictment and today’s arrest, and our investigation is ongoing.”

The Guardians also shared a statement with the outlet, writing: “We are aware of the recent law enforcement action. We will continue to fully cooperate with both law enforcement and Major League Baseball as their investigations continue.”

PEOPLE has reached out to the Cleveland Guardians and reps for both Clase and Ortiz.

This indictment comes just weeks after Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and former Cleveland Cavaliers player Damon Jones were arrested on suspicion of their involvement in a massive sports gambling operation with connections to the Mafia. The case is also being prosecuted by the Eastern District of New York.

Additionally, the MLB announced a lifetime ban for Padres infielder Tucupita Marcano in June after an investigation discovered he placed hundreds of bets on baseball games.

Clase and Ortiz were put on non-disciplinary paid leave “until further notice” by the MLB in July. The league said private betting investigators flagged unusual wagers on a pair of pitches thrown by Ortiz in June.

According to ESPN, Ortiz and Clase could face up to 20 years in prison for wire fraud conspiracy, 20 years for honest services wire fraud conspiracy, 20 years for money laundering conspiracy and five years for conspiracy to influence sporting events by bribery.