Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz pleaded not guilty in a rewritten federal indictment accusing them of colluding with sports bettors to rig pitches, a scheme prosecutors allege spanned years and involved coded language like 'rooster'. The Cleveland Guardians pitchers, who have been on paid leave since July, face charges including wire fraud conspiracy and conspiracy to influence sporting contests. Prosecutors claim Clase used his phone during a game to signal gamblers, netting them $27,000, and that Ortiz joined the scheme last June after receiving payments.

The original indictment from November accused the pair of accepting $460,000 in payoffs for over 100 rigged bets, with Clase allegedly targeting Reds batters before being benched. Their defense argues Ortiz was a victim of Clase's scheme, pointing out Ortiz's limited involvement. Judge Kiyo Matsumoto indicated the trial, originally set for May, will likely be postponed to October.

MLB and the Guardians are cooperating with the investigation into the alleged betrayal of 'America's pastime'.