MLB pitch-rigging case: judge refuses to toss wire fraud charge

Prosecutors say the ruling is relevant to Terry Rozier’s own bid to dismiss NBA bribery charges.

The hit

A federal judge has refused to throw out a wire fraud conspiracy count against two former Cleveland Guardians pitchers accused of rigging pitches for bettors. According to a court filing in the Eastern District of New York, Judge Kiyo Matsumoto denied motions to dismiss from Emmanuel Clase, Luis Ortiz & a co-defendant on 8 September 2026.

Why it matters

The ruling keeps the charge alive against MLB pitchers accused of tipping bettors to specific pitches for profit. Prosecutors have flagged the decision to the judge overseeing Terry Rozier’s separate NBA bribery prosecution, saying it is relevant to the court’s consideration of his own motions to dismiss.

The record

Superseding indictment returned	12 February 2026, adding a co-defendant & a sealed Defendant-4 (grand jury, EDNY)
Alleged scheme start	Approximately May 2023, Clase & a co-defendant allegedly agree to rig pitches for bettor profit
Motions to dismiss Count One	Filed by Clase, Ortiz & a co-defendant; briefing concluded 23 June 2026
Dismissal ruling	Denied in full (Clase, 25-CR-346)
Related case	Rozier’s NBA bribery case, 25-CR-323 (LDH)

What happens next

Watch for Judge LaShann DeArcy Hall’s ruling on Rozier’s own motions to dismiss.

Sources: Letter – #152 in United States v. Earnest (E.D.N.Y, 1:25-cr-00323)

Named in this story? Reply to newsdesk@infobets.com & we publish it.

18+. Betting involves risk. If gambling is a problem for you or someone close to you, help is available.