Cleveland Guardians Pitchers Indicted in Major Betting Scandal

UPDATE: Two pitchers for the Cleveland Guardians have been indicted in a shocking illegal sports betting scheme that threatens to tarnish Major League Baseball. Emmanuel Clase and Luis Leandro Ortiz Ribera face serious federal charges for allegedly rigging bets based on the specific pitches they threw during games.

The indictment was unsealed just moments ago in federal court in Brooklyn, revealing disturbing details that could have wide-reaching implications for the league. Ortiz was arrested at Logan Airport in Boston this morning, while Clase remains at large, according to John Marzulli, spokesperson for Brooklyn U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella.

Prosecutors allege that both players “agreed in advance with their co-conspirators to throw specific types of pitches and speeds of pitches,” allowing criminals to place bets based on insider information. This betrayal has not only defrauded online betting platforms but also undermined the integrity of the game itself.

“By fixing pitches, the defendants sold that trust to gamblers,” Nocella stated. “They deprived the Cleveland Guardians and Major League Baseball of their honest services and betrayed America’s pastime.”

Clase, a relief pitcher, is accused of deliberately rigging “prop” bets on his pitches. Bettors wagered thousands of dollars based on advance knowledge of the type and speed of his throws, sometimes even during live games. Allegedly, Clase often threw balls intentionally to manipulate the betting outcomes, resulting in a staggering estimated profit for gamblers of $700,000.

Ortiz joined the scheme in June 2023, agreeing to throw balls instead of strikes in return for bribes. Prosecutors claim that he was paid $5,000 to throw a specific pitch during a game on June 15, while Clase received a similar amount for orchestrating the arrangement.

Major League Baseball is closely monitoring the situation, stating, “We are aware of the indictment and today’s arrest, and our investigation is ongoing.” Both players were placed on paid leave in July as the league began its inquiry into their actions.

Facing multiple charges, including wire fraud conspiracy and participating in a money-laundering scheme, both Clase and Ortiz could face up to 30 years in prison if convicted. The indictment reveals that Clase’s alleged misconduct began in May 2023, while Ortiz’s involvement started in June.

This scandal emerges as Nocella’s office recently indicted over 30 individuals connected to illegal sports betting and rigged poker games, signaling a broader crackdown on corruption within professional sports.

Ortiz is scheduled to appear in federal court in Boston tomorrow, with both players’ legal teams yet to comment on the charges. As this story develops, it underscores the urgent need for accountability in sports, with the integrity of the game hanging in the balance.

Stay tuned for further updates on this unfolding scandal that has left fans and players alike in disbelief.