161 bets traced to Clase’s home, DraftKings tells jury

Prosecutors allege bettors tied to the scheme won at least $450,000 on rigged pitches.

The hit

Defence lawyers in Cleveland Guardians pitcher Emmanuel Clase’s pitch-rigging trial opened by attacking the credibility of a bettor listed as a potential witness for the government. Prosecutors allege Clase, a two-time AL Reliever of the Year, rigged 18 pitches as part of a betting conspiracy. Clase denies wrongdoing.

Why it matters

The case hinges on whether bettor conversations about cockfighting were code for rigged pitches or exactly what they appear to be. If the bettor does not testify, attorney Samuel Landes argues the government’s case has a “gaping hole”.

The record

Pitches allegedly rigged	2 by co-defendant Luis Ortiz, in addition to Clase’s 18 (prosecutors)
Bettor winnings alleged	at least $450,000 across bettors tied to the scheme (prosecutors)
Key bettor’s activity	more than 7,000 bets worth at least $725,000, per Ortiz attorney Samuel Landes
Associate’s pitch-speed bets	net gain of roughly $95,000 from 150+ wagers (iGB)
Bets traced to Clase’s home	161 bets via geolocation data (DraftKings, per The Athletic)

What happens next

US District Judge Kiyo Matsumoto has told jurors the trial may run through early December. Watch for whether prosecutors call the key bettor as a witness.

Sources: Attorneys clash over role of key bettor as jurors hear first witnesses in Clase trial

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