CLEVELAND, USA – A new chapter is being written in the legal case involving Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz. Ortiz’s defense has formally requested the separation of his process from that of his teammate, amid federal accusations of an alleged scheme to manipulate pitches to benefit sports betting.
Both players face federal charges for conspiracy, related to wire fraud, bribery in sports competitions, and money laundering. Ortiz’s lawyer argues that his client was a “victim of the Class scheme” and not a conscious participant in the plan.
According to federal prosecutors, Clase coordinated an operation that allowed bettors to obtain estimated profits of $460,000 through predetermined pitches in Major League games.
Although the formal accusation mentions nine suspicious pitches attributed to Clase, authorities have indicated that the number could exceed 250 deliveries under investigation. Ortiz, for his part, is linked to two allegedly manipulated pitches.
Possible Conflict of Interest
Ortiz’s defense also alleges a potential conflict of interest in Clase’s legal representation, pointing out that his partner’s lawyers interviewed witnesses who could offer contradictory statements at trial. Ortiz plans to demonstrate that Clase shared information about his pitching plan with bettors without his knowledge.
The case is under the supervision of federal judge Kiyo A. Matsumoto, who will have to decide on the request to separate the processes. The trial is scheduled for May 4, although Ortiz’s defense has requested more time.
Ongoing Research
Court documents reveal that authorities seized a large number of files from devices linked to Clase and an unidentified bettor. So far, prosecutors have not presented evidence of direct communication between Ortiz and the bettors.
The investigation originated after an alert from the Ohio Casino Control Commission. Major League Baseball placed both pitchers on paid administrative leave, preventing them from participating in spring training.
Class, with a $20 million contract, signed an extension before the 2022 season. The organization is still evaluating his contractual situation for 2026, while planning the season without counting on both pitchers.
Both Clase and Ortiz have pleaded not guilty to the charges. The investigation remains open and could broaden the scope of the accusations.
