Former Catcher Testifies Alleged Manipulated Pitches in MLB Trial Appeared Consistent with Normal Strategy

A former Cleveland Guardians catcher testified that pitches at the center of a federal betting conspiracy case showed nothing out of the ordinary.

Bo Naylor, now with the Milwaukee Brewers, appeared as a defense witness Thursday (Nov. 5) in the Brooklyn trial of pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz. Both face conspiracy and fraud charges in a scheme that allegedly netted at least $460,000. Naylor reviewed footage of the deliveries, including those prosecutors claim were deliberately thrown outside the strike zone. He told jurors the pitches did not appear suspicious and aligned with standard preparation for opposing batters.

Pitchers and catchers routinely study weaknesses and agree on pitch type and location, Naylor explained. Even the best arms cannot hit the precise target every time.

Unawareness of Individual Pitch Wagers

During cross-examination by Assistant US Attorney James Simmons, Naylor said he had been unaware that gamblers could bet on single pitches until the investigation became public.

“I didn’t know that until the situation,” he testified.

These microbets let wagerers bet ball or strike on a given delivery, opening manipulation avenues that need not alter the final game result. Prosecutors allege Clase, a three-time All-Star, began supplying advance pitch details in 2023 and later recruited Ortiz in 2025. Clase is accused of manipulating 18 pitches across 17 games. Ortiz allegedly threw balls on two occasions for payment. Both have pleaded not guilty and remain on unpaid leave from the Guardians.

Cockfighting as Alternative Explanation for Communications

Naylor was also asked about clubhouse rumors concerning Clase’s involvement in cockfighting, which is legal in the Dominican Republic where the pitcher was raised. Defense attorneys contend that messages prosecutors read as coded pitch signals actually referred to cockfighting and dominoes. They further seek to undermine the credibility of gambler Enoc Pena, whom they portray as having exploited his connection to Clase. Investigators countered with betting records and geolocation data linked to Clase’s residence.

The trial before US District Judge Kiyo Matsumoto is expected to run into early December. As first reported by Casino.org News, the testimony directly challenges the government’s narrative that the alleged fixes would have been obvious to participants on the field. The defense strategy frames the case as one of misinterpreted communications rather than clear fraud, a distinction that could shape how similar sports-integrity prosecutions are evaluated going forward.