Copyright sportskeeda
A gambling scandal has rocked MLB after Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz were indicted on charges of sharing inside information about their pitches with sports bettors.Clase, regarded as one of the best closers in the game, raised suspicion in July. While Clase has been allegedly rigging his pitches for bettors since 2023, his teammate, Ortiz, joined the fray this season.Clase and Ortiz allowed the involved bettors to wager on smaller events, like a pitch’s speed or a pitch being called a strike or ball. They provided information to gamblers before games to coordinate bets being placed on their pitches. Bettors reportedly made at least $450,000 betting on their pitches.MLB placed the Guardians' pitching duo on non-disciplinary paid leave in July after the league opened an investigation into suspicious wagering activity. Their leave was extended until the investigation was completed.Ortiz was arrested by the authorities in Boston for wire fraud conspiracy, honest services wire fraud conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy and conspiracy to influence sporting contests by bribery. Meanwhile, Clase is yet to be arrested.Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz's lawyers maintain their clients innocenceLuis Ortiz, who was arrested by the authorities on Sunday, will be presented in court on Monday. However, his lawyer, Chris Georgalis denied the charges against Ortiz."He has never, and would never, improperly influence a game — not for anyone and not for anything,” Georgalis said.Michael J. Ferrara, Emmanuel Clase's lawyer, also maintained his client's innocence. The duo could face more than 20 years in prison if they are found guilty of the charges.
