Guardians Pitchers Indicted in Pitch-Rigging Scheme

The indictment, unsealed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York (EDNY), details an alleged scheme focused on manipulating “prop bets.” Closer Clase, 27, and starter Ortiz, 26, face multiple counts, including wire fraud conspiracy and conspiracy to influence sporting contests by bribery.

Ortiz was arrested in Boston on Sunday and is scheduled to appear in federal court today. Clase is not currently in custody in the United States. Major League Baseball (MLB) placed both players on paid leave earlier in July after integrity monitors flagged irregular betting activity.

Pitch Manipulation as Game Mechanic

The charges describe a system where the two pitchers allegedly sold insider information to co-conspirator bettors. The scheme involved setting “prop bets” on individual pitch outcomes, such as whether a pitch would be a ball or its velocity.

Prosecutors contend the pitchers intentionally threw certain pitches, often far outside the strike zone, to ensure the outcome matched the co-conspirators’ wagers.

This rigged action defrauded online betting platforms and deprived the Guardians and MLB of the players’ honest services. U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella, Jr., stated that the defendants “betrayed America’s pastime,” damaging public trust.

The indictment shows Clase’s involvement began in May 2023. He allegedly coordinated with bettors on pitch type and speed. In some cases, he purposely threw the first pitch of an at-bat as a ball, sometimes bouncing it into the dirt. Clase also allegedly exchanged text messages with co-conspirators during games.

Prosecutors allege Clase began demanding and receiving bribes in April 2025. One message cited shows Clase requesting money for “country house repairs” in the Dominican Republic after a successful fixed pitch. The wagers placed on Clase’s pitches generated at least $400,000 in winnings for his co-conspirators.

Ortiz’s Role and Payments

Luis Ortiz joined the pitch-fixing operation in June 2025. His role involved agreeing to throw an opening pitch of an inning as a “ball” in exchange for cash payments.

On June 15, 2025, Ortiz allegedly agreed to throw the first pitch of the second inning as a ball for a $5,000 bribe. Clase allegedly received a matching $5,000 payment for setting up this particular fix. Bettors placed $13,000 on that single rigged pitch.

Ortiz was involved in a second fixed pitch on June 27, 2025, agreeing to throw the first pitch of the third inning as a ball for a $7,000 bribe. Before that game, Clase reportedly withdrew $50,000 in cash, providing $15,000 for wagers on the rigged pitch.

Ortiz’s actions in the scheme caused co-conspirators to win at least $60,000. In one instance, after receiving a payment, Clase reportedly instructed Ortiz to lie and say the money was “for a horse” if asked.

Legal Defense and Future Impact

The pitchers face serious penalties. The wire fraud conspiracy counts each carry a potential maximum of 20 years in prison. The sports bribery conspiracy count carries a maximum of five years. Both defendants maintain their innocence.

Chris Georgalis, the attorney for Ortiz, stated that his client “has never, and would never, improperly influence a game.” Georgalis claimed that all money transfers were for lawful activities. He also said the government’s case is “weak and circumstantial” and lacks evidence connecting Ortiz to the alleged bettors.

Michael J. Ferrara, Clase’s attorney, likewise stated that his client is “innocent of all charges” and plans to clear his name in court. MLB confirmed it has cooperated with federal law enforcement since the start of its internal investigation.