Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz were described by prosecutors as 'cheaters' during opening statements at their New York fraud trial. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rebecca Urquiola told jurors that Clase befriended a sports betting gambler in the Dominican Republic in early 2023 and agreed to tell him what pitches he would throw, enabling gamblers to profit at least $460,000. The pitchers, who pleaded not guilty, are on non-disciplinary leave from the club without pay.
Clase, a three-time All-Star and two-time American League Reliever of the Year on a $20 million contract, and Ortiz, who earned $782,600 in 2025, were arrested in November 2025. Defense lawyers argue the gambler befriended Clase falsely and tried to sell him information. Only two of Ortiz's pitches are at stake, his attorney said.
Source: ESPN MLB · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing