TLDR The federal trial of former Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz began Monday in Brooklyn. Prosecutors cite 18 Clase pitches from 2023 to 2025 that they say were altered for gamblers. Bettors allegedly won about $27,000 on one pitch thrown faster than 94.95 mph. The indictment says bettors won at least $450,000 on pitches from both players. Each player faces four conspiracy charges and up to 65 years in prison if convicted.
The federal trial of former Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz began Monday in Brooklyn. Prosecutors allege the two players took bribes to change individual pitches so certain gamblers could win bets.
The case focuses on single pitches rather than the outcome of full games. Prosecutors claim the scheme let gambling associates profit from bets on pitch speed, location and other specific outcomes.
The trial will decide whether the pitchers deliberately changed their play to affect betting results. Neither man has been convicted of any crime.
The Pitches at the Center of the Case
The government’s case cites 18 pitches thrown by Clase between 2023 and 2025. Prosecutors say he shared his plans ahead of time with people connected to a gambling group.
That information allegedly told bettors where a pitch would go and how fast it would be. They could then place wagers with that knowledge in hand.
In one example, bettors reportedly won about $27,000. Their wager was that a specific Clase pitch would go faster than 94.95 mph.
Pitch speed bets ask whether one pitch will land above or below a set number. With a line of 94.95 mph, a pitch clocked at 95 mph or faster would win the “over” bet.
Investigators say Clase brought Ortiz into the scheme in 2025. According to the indictment, bettors