MLB Pitchers Accused of Taking Bribes to Fix Bets
Major League Baseball pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz of the Cleveland Guardians have been charged in Brooklyn with accepting bribes to influence live betting outcomes. Prosecutors allege the two Dominican players provided tip-offs and altered pitches, helping bettors win nearly $460,000.
Allegations of Betting Manipulation
According to court documents unsealed on Sunday in a federal court in Brooklyn, Clase and Ortiz allegedly received several thousand dollars in payments from two unidentified Dominican bettors. In exchange, the pitchers are accused of revealing upcoming pitch types and intentionally throwing balls instead of strikes to ensure the success of specific wagers.
Prosecutors stated that the illicit activity occurred during MLB games between April and June. The investigation began after irregular betting patterns were detected in contests involving the two players.
Arrest and Legal Proceedings
Luis Ortiz, 26, was arrested by the FBI on Sunday morning at Boston Logan International Airport. He is expected to appear before a federal judge in Boston on Monday. Emmanuel Clase, 27, remains at large, according to authorities.
The two pitchers were placed on paid administrative leave by Major League Baseball (MLB) earlier this year, pending the results of an ongoing investigation into what the league described as “unusually high betting activity” during their appearances.
Official Statements from the Guardians and MLB
Following the announcement of the charges, the Cleveland Guardians released a brief statement:
“We are aware of the recent action taken by authorities,” the team said. “We will continue to fully cooperate with law enforcement and Major League Baseball as their investigations proceed.”
Major League Baseball also addressed the developments in a statement on Sunday:
“MLB contacted federal authorities at the beginning of its investigation and has fully cooperated throughout the process,” the league said. “We are aware of the indictment and today’s arrest, and our investigation remains ongoing.”
On July 3, MLB placed Ortiz on paid administrative leave through the All-Star break as it investigated his potential involvement in betting-related activity. His leave was later extended to August 31. Clase was placed on a similar leave on July 28, also lasting through August 31. On the same day, MLB confirmed that both players would remain on administrative leave “until further notice.”