In a shocking development in the world of Major League Baseball (MLB), two pitchers from the Cleveland Guardians have been indicted for allegedly conspiring with sports bettors to rig the outcomes of their pitches. Federal prosecutors in Brooklyn, along with the FBI, announced the indictment on Sunday, revealing a scheme that could have far-reaching implications for the integrity of the game.
The indictment led to the arrest of Luis Leandro Ortiz at Logan Airport in Boston on Sunday. Another player, Emmanuel Clase, remains at large as of Sunday afternoon. The charges allege that Ortiz and Clase conspired with sports bettors beginning in 2023 to manipulate specific pitches during MLB games. This conspiracy allowed bettors to place prop bets that totaled hundreds of thousands of dollars, significantly profiting from insider information.
According to prosecutors, the bettors were able to wager on the speed and type of Clase’s pitches based on prior arrangements with him, sometimes coordinating even during MLB games. The investigation revealed that Clase frequently threw these allegedly rigged pitches as the first pitch of an at-bat. To further manipulate the outcomes, he ensured certain pitches were called as balls by throwing many of them well outside the strike zone, including in the dirt.
In exchange for his cooperation, Clase reportedly received bribes and kickbacks from the bettors. The indictment provides numerous instances of pitches that Clase allegedly rigged, including a notable game against the New York Mets. Investigators claim that through this scheme, Clase helped his co-conspirator bettors win at least $400,000 in fraudulent wagers.
Ortiz's involvement in the conspiracy allegedly began in 2025. The indictment states that he agreed to throw balls instead of strikes in two games, also in exchange for bribes and kickbacks. Prior to a game on June 15, 2025, Ortiz allegedly coordinated with his co-conspirators to throw a ball on a specified pitch for a $5,000 bribe. Similarly, Clase was promised a $5,000 bribe for arranging the rigged pitch.
The indictment highlights the extensive impact of these actions, stating, “Through this scheme, the defendants defrauded betting platforms, deprived Major League Baseball and the Cleveland Guardians of their honest services, illegally enriched themselves and their co-conspirators, misled the public, and betrayed America's pastime.” MLB has been proactive in addressing these allegations, reaching out to federal law enforcement at the start of the investigation and cooperating fully throughout the process.
In a separate statement, the Cleveland Guardians acknowledged the recent law enforcement actions and emphasized their commitment to cooperating with both law enforcement and MLB as investigations continue. The ongoing investigations were reportedly prompted by unusual betting activity during certain games, drawing the attention of various professional sports leagues.
This significant scandal raises questions about the integrity of sports betting and the safeguarding measures within Major League Baseball. As federal authorities continue their investigation, the implications for Ortiz, Clase, and the broader baseball community are yet to unfold. MLB's commitment to maintaining the integrity of the game is evident, and the outcome of these proceedings will likely shape future regulations and oversight in professional sports.