MLB Pitchers Accused of Betting Conspiracy
Two prominent Cleveland Guardians pitchers face serious federal charges after being indicted in an elaborate scheme to manipulate sports betting outcomes during Major League Baseball games. Emmanuel Clase de la Cruz and Luis Leandro Ortiz Ribera are accused of coordinating with gamblers to throw specific types of pitches in exchange for financial compensation.
The Alleged Scheme Details
According to federal prosecutors in Brooklyn, both players "agreed in advance with their co-conspirators to throw specific types of pitches and speeds of pitches" during games. The indictment reveals that corrupt sports bettors used this inside information to place wagers on "prop" bets concerning particular pitches.
Prosecutors detailed that Clase, the Guardians' relief pitcher, frequently threw rigged pitches on the first pitch of an at-bat. To ensure certain pitches were called as balls, he allegedly threw many of them deliberately into the dirt. Bettors reportedly used the advance information Clase provided to wager thousands of dollars through online sportsbooks.
The scheme expanded when Ortiz joined the conspiracy around June 2025. Prosecutors allege Ortiz agreed to throw balls instead of strikes during two specific games in exchange for bribes and kickbacks.
Arrests and Specific Allegations
Luis Ortiz was arrested at Logan Airport in Boston on the morning of Sunday, November 9, 2025, while Clase remains at large according to John Marzulli, spokesperson for Brooklyn U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella.
One particularly detailed allegation involves a June 15 game where Ortiz allegedly agreed with co-conspirators to throw a ball on a specific pitch in exchange for bribes. Court documents state Ortiz received a $5,000 bribe for throwing the rigged pitch, while Clase collected an additional $5,000 for arranging the scheme.
Legal Consequences and MLB Response
Both players face multiple serious charges including:
- Wire fraud conspiracy
- Honest services wire fraud conspiracy
- Engaging in a scheme to influence sporting contests by bribery
- Money laundering conspiracy
If convicted of the wire fraud charges, both men could face up to 30 years in federal prison.
Brooklyn U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella condemned the actions in a statement, saying "the defendants sold that trust to gamblers by fixing pitches. In doing so, the defendants deprived the Cleveland Guardians and Major League Baseball of their honest services. They defrauded the online betting platforms where the bets were placed. And they betrayed America's pastime."
Major League Baseball confirmed they are aware of the indictment and ongoing investigation, noting that both players were placed on paid leave back in July 2025. The league has pledged full cooperation with law enforcement authorities as the case progresses.
