Federal Prosecutors Trim Gambling Case Against Emmanuel Clase to 18 Specific Pitches Before November Trial
Prosecutors narrowed the case against Emmanuel Clase to 18 pitches from 17 games between 2023 and 2025, including one in the 2024 playoffs. The scheme allegedly produced $400,000 in winnings for bettors and $60,000 tied to Luis Ortiz. Both face up to 65 years on fraud and bribery charges with trial set for November.
SCCG Take — The narrowed scope sharpens the prosecution’s evidence on specific pitch manipulation, raising the stakes for sportsbooks monitoring integrity risks in real-time betting markets.
Federal prosecutors have narrowed their gambling case against Cleveland Guardians relief pitcher Emmanuel Clase to 18 pitches thrown across 17 games. The pitches span from May 19, 2023, to May 28, 2025, and include one delivered during the 2024 MLB playoffs. Court filings show the alleged scheme involved providing bettors advance information on pitch details.
Those bettors placed hundreds of wagers on outcomes including pitch type, velocity, and ball or strike calls. The activity generated at least $400,000 in fraudulent winnings at online sportsbooks. Clase allegedly threw select pitches into the dirt to force ball calls and ensure the predetermined results.
Scope of Allegations Against Clase and Ortiz
One of the 18 pitches was Clase’s first offering to Detroit Tigers hitter Matt Vierling in the ninth inning of Game 1 of the 2024 American League Division Series on Oct. 5. It was a 93-mph slider outside the strike zone in a game Cleveland won 7-0. Other hitters tied to the pitches include Manny Machado, Max Kepler, Bobby Witt Jr., Starling Marte, Royce Lewis, and Jarren Duran.
Former Guardians teammate Luis Ortiz is charged in connection with two pitches after joining the alleged scheme in June 2025. Prosecutors state that Ortiz helped co-conspirators generate at least $60,000 in winnings from manipulated pitches. In February, court documents revealed prosecutors had identified suspect Clase pitches from at least 48 games over a two-year period.
Charges, Pleas, and Trial Date
Clase and Ortiz were indicted in November 2025 on charges of wire fraud conspiracy, honest services wire fraud conspiracy, conspiracy to influence sporting contests by bribery, and money laundering. Both defendants have pleaded not guilty. Each faces a maximum of 65 years in prison if convicted at the November trial.
Reporting: Casino.org News
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