Federal prosecutors detail 18 alleged pitch-rigging throws by MLB reliever Emmanuel Clase
Federal prosecutors have listed 18 specific pitches thrown by Guardians reliever Emmanuel Clase that they say were part of a gambling scheme with teammate Luis Ortiz.
In documents submitted Friday, federal prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York enumerated 18 pitches thrown by Cleveland Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase over 17 games from 2023 through 2025, claiming they were used to manipulate betting markets. The list includes a pitch against Mets outfielder Starling Marte in May 2023 and another during the 2024 American League playoffs versus Detroit’s Matt Vierling.
The indictment also references two of Luis Ortiz’s outings that sportsbooks flagged for unusual wagering, though the specific pitches are not detailed. Authorities allege the trio conspired to provide insiders with pitch location and velocity data, constituting wire fraud, money laundering and conspiracy. Clase, Ortiz and a third suspect have entered not-guilty pleas, and jury selection is slated to begin in November. Both players have been on leave from the team since June 2025.
Why it matters
The case highlights potential corruption in professional sports betting and could affect MLB's integrity.
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