SANTO DOMINGO – A scandal shakes the baseball world. The star figure of the Cleveland Guardians, Dominican closer Emmanuel Clase, is at the center of a high-profile judicial investigation.
Accusations and Case Details
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York filed a 29-page indictment detailing alleged irregularities. It is alleged that Clase used coded language related to “cockfights” to coordinate the manipulation of pitches for sports betting purposes.
According to the record, on May 18, 2025, before a game against the Cincinnati Reds, Clase received a message that read: “Throw a stone at the first rooster in today’s fight.” Prosecutors interpret this phrase as a direct instruction to alter a pitch. The player responded affirmatively.
Authorities maintain that the references to roosters were part of a code related to Clase’s fondness for raising these birds in the Dominican Republic. In another exchange of messages, in September 2023, the pitcher allegedly indicated to a bettor how to act with certain batters, which, according to the prosecution, demonstrates an intention to manipulate specific situations in the game. Even in cases where he did not play, investigators cite these messages as evidence of planning.
Postseason Implications
One of the most sensitive points of the accusation includes events that occurred during the 2024 playoffs. A pitch in the ninth inning of Game 1 of the American League Division Series against the Detroit Tigers, on October 5 of that year, is mentioned.
With this expansion, the number of launches under investigation increased from nine to fifteen between 2023 and 2025. Authorities estimate that those involved obtained profits close to $450,000, allegedly distributed in bribes or commissions.
New Individuals Involved and Case Separation
In the case, Robinson Vásquez Germosen is added, identified as an alleged intermediary between pitchers and bettors in the Dominican Republic. According to the accusation, he attended meetings in Cleveland using tickets provided by Clase.
In parallel, the defense of Dominican pitcher Luis Ortiz requested to separate his judicial process, arguing that he was induced into the scheme without full knowledge.
Defense and Legal Perspectives
Michael Ferrara, Class attorney, stated that his client is innocent and questioned the interpretation of the evidence presented by the prosecution. The defense of the alleged intermediary also called the accusations unproven allegations.
The trial is scheduled for May 4 in Brooklyn. The case has the baseball world on edge, where Clase was considered one of the most outstanding relievers, after recording an ERA of 0.61 in 2024.
In addition to possible sports sanctions, the closer could face federal charges for wire fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy to influence sports competitions through bribery, in a process that could mark a critical moment in MLB history.
