Two former Major League Baseball pitchers are facing a federal criminal trial in New York over allegations that they manipulated individual pitches during professional games to help sports gamblers win hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz, both formerly with the Cleveland Guardians, are accused of participating in a pitch-rigging scheme involving advance information, predetermined pitches and illegal betting arrangements.

The trial began on November 2, 2026, in Brooklyn federal court, bringing renewed attention to the growing intersection between professional sports and the multibillion-dollar sports-betting industry.

Federal prosecutors allege that gamblers won at least $460,000 by placing wagers on specific pitches that the players allegedly agreed to manipulate.

Both pitchers have pleaded not guilty and deny participating in the alleged conspiracy.

How the Alleged Pitch-Rigging Scheme Worked

According to prosecutors, the alleged scheme involved providing gamblers with advance information about particular pitches before they were thrown during MLB games.

The bets were placed on individual pitch outcomes, including whether a pitch would be called a ball or strike and how fast it would travel.

These wagers are known as pitch-level proposition bets.

Prosecutors allege that Emmanuel Clase began sharing information with sports bettors in May 2023.

The gamblers allegedly used this information to place bets through online sports platforms, including DraftKings and FanDuel.

Some of the alleged arrangements involved pitches deliberately thrown outside the strike zone or at predetermined speeds.

Authorities say the scheme generated at least $460,000 in betting winnings.

Emmanuel Clase: The Star Pitcher at the Center of the Case

Emmanuel Clase was one of the Cleveland Guardians’ most recognizable relief pitchers.

The three-time All-Star built a reputation as one of baseball’s leading closers and earned major recognition for his performances.

However, prosecutors allege that he used his position as a professional athlete to provide confidential information about pitches to gamblers.

According to the indictment, Clase sometimes communicated with bettors during games and allegedly received payments in exchange for information.

Prosecutors also claim that he helped arrange betting opportunities involving his teammate Luis Ortiz.

The allegations cover pitches thrown between 2023 and 2025.

Clase’s attorneys reject the government’s claims and maintain that he did not participate in any pitch-fixing conspiracy.

Luis Ortiz Accused of Joining the Scheme in 2025

Luis Ortiz, a starting pitcher who also played for Cleveland, is accused of joining the alleged arrangement in June 2025.

Prosecutors point to two games in which Ortiz allegedly agreed in advance to throw particular pitches in exchange for payments.

One alleged arrangement involved a $5,000 payment connected to a predetermined pitch during a June 15, 2025, game.

Another alleged arrangement involved a separate game on June 27.

The government claims bettors used advance information to place wagers and profit from the outcomes.

Ortiz’s defense has rejected the allegations. His lawyers argue that he had no direct contact with gamblers and question the evidence connecting him to the alleged arrangement.

Prosecutors Present Text Messages and Alleged Secret Codes

A major part of the government’s case involves electronic communications and financial transactions.

Prosecutors say text messages, audio recordings and other evidence show discussions about predetermined pitches.

They allege that coded terms, including words translated as “chicken” and “rooster,” were used in conversations about the betting arrangements.

The government also plans to present testimony and evidence concerning wagers placed around specific MLB games.

According to prosecutors, the communications demonstrate that some betting outcomes were allegedly discussed before the pitches occurred.

The defense disputes the government’s interpretation of the communications and is expected to challenge the credibility of witnesses.

Opening Statements: Prosecutors Call the Players Cheaters

During opening statements on November 4, Assistant U.S. Attorney Rebecca Urquiola described Clase and Ortiz as cheaters.

She told jurors that the players had allegedly sold information about their pitches to gamblers, compromising the integrity of professional baseball.

Prosecutors argued that the arrangement gave selected bettors an unfair advantage over other people placing wagers.

They also said Clase eventually requested financial kickbacks after seeing how much money gamblers were making.

The defense presented a different account.

Clase’s attorney argued that the government’s allegations rely heavily on the claims of a gambler who could not be trusted.

Ortiz’s attorney questioned why his client would risk his professional baseball career for relatively small payments.

Both defense teams maintain that the allegations have not been proven.

How the Alleged Scheme Was Discovered

The investigation gained momentum after betting platforms identified unusual wagering activity involving pitches thrown by Ortiz in June 2025.

One game involved the Cleveland Guardians playing the Seattle Mariners on June 15.

Another involved a matchup against the St. Louis Cardinals later that month.

Unusual betting patterns raised concerns among gambling operators, prompting further scrutiny.

Major League Baseball subsequently cooperated with federal investigators.

The two pitchers were placed on leave in July 2025 before being indicted in November of that year.

What Charges Do the Players Face?

The defendants face several federal conspiracy charges, including:

Wire fraud conspiracy

Honest services wire fraud conspiracy

Conspiracy to influence sporting contests by bribery

Money laundering conspiracy

The charges carry substantial potential prison sentences if the defendants are convicted.

However, the maximum penalties associated with individual charges do not mean that a defendant will automatically receive those sentences.

Both players remain entitled to the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty in court.

Why This Case Matters for Major League Baseball

The case has raised serious questions about the integrity of professional baseball as sports betting becomes increasingly accessible.

Pitch-level betting allows gamblers to wager on very specific events within a game rather than simply predicting which team will win.

These markets can create new opportunities for betting, but they also raise concerns about the possibility of manipulating individual performances.

Following the scandal, MLB introduced restrictions on certain pitch-level wagers, including a $200 limit on some micro-bets and a prohibition on combining those bets in parlays.

The league has also emphasized its cooperation with law enforcement to protect the integrity of baseball competitions.

What Happens Next?

The federal trial is expected to last approximately three weeks.

Jurors will hear evidence from prosecutors and defense attorneys, including financial records, electronic communications and testimony from people connected to the alleged betting arrangements.

Baseball officials, team personnel, catchers and other witnesses are among those expected to provide evidence.

The central question is whether prosecutors can prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the pitchers intentionally manipulated pitches as part of a gambling conspiracy.

For now, the case remains unresolved.

The outcome could have significant consequences for the two players and may influence how professional sports leagues regulate betting on individual performances.

Sources: Associated Press, Reuters, ESPN, AFP and the U.S. Department of Justice.

This article reflects reporting available through November 5, 2026. Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz have pleaded not guilty. The allegations have not been established as facts in a final court judgment.