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NEW YORK – Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz have been indicted on federal charges for allegedly taking bribes from sports bettors to influence their pitches in games, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced Sunday. The indictment claims the players accepted several thousand dollars from two unnamed gamblers from the Dominican Republic to help them win at least $460,000 on in-game prop bets. Clase, the Guardians’ former closer, and Ortiz, a starter, have been on paid leave since July after Major League Baseball (MLB) noticed unusually high betting activity during their appearances. Ortiz, 26, was arrested Sunday at Boston Logan International Airport and is expected to appear in court on Monday. Clase, 27, remains free but faces the same charges. Read More: Rajab Butt, others face charges over betting promotions The indictment alleges that Clase and Ortiz deliberately threw pitches in specific ways, such as balls in the dirt instead of strikes, to ensure the success of bets. Both players face charges including wire fraud conspiracy, honest services wire fraud conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy, and conspiracy to influence sporting contests by bribery, with potential sentences of up to 20 years in prison. MLB and the Guardians have said they are cooperating with federal authorities, and both players’ lawyers have denied wrongdoing, asserting that their clients have devoted their careers to winning games legitimately. The case has drawn widespread attention as a serious challenge to the integrity of professional baseball. Read More: Casino No Deposit Bonus Options After GamStop Restrictions The allegations, which involve games in April, May, and June, highlight growing concerns over gambling-related corruption in professional sports, emphasizing the risks posed by insider knowledge and improper influence on in-game betting outcomes.
