Clase and Ortiz before judge: Dominican pitchers in trouble for bets

BROOKLYN, NEW YORK. – Dominican pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz appeared this Tuesday before the federal court in Brooklyn, where they face charges related to a sports betting scandal that has generated great impact in Major League Baseball. In the hearing, both players, accused of alerting bettors about the pitches they would make in specific situations, maintained a serious attitude, without speaking to each other. As a measure imposed by the court, they are prohibited from communicating with each other. Federal Judge Kiyo Matsumoto ordered Clase and Ortiz to return on January 15. Jury selection is tentatively scheduled to begin on May 4, with the trial set to start on May 11.

A Formal and Distant Gesture

Despite the obvious distance between them, their lawyers suggested a formal gesture as a sign of cooperation before the judge. The result was a brief and tense handshake, reflecting the coldness in the relationship between the former colleagues. Neither Clase nor Ortiz offered statements to the press upon leaving the court.

Declaration of Innocence

Both Clase and Ortiz, dressed in a sober manner, Clase in an informal gray suit and Ortiz in black, pleaded not guilty to the federal charges. Both remain free on bail while the judicial process advances. Prosecutors allege that the pitchers shared insider information with bettors to benefit live bets during the games, a federal crime with potentially severe consequences legally and in their sports careers. The case is still developing, and more clarity is expected during the hearing on January 15th.