Clase & Ortiz blame a third man; prosecutors reject it
Clase allegedly fixed pitches across 17 games over two years before Ortiz joined the scheme.
The hit
Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase & Luis Ortiz are on trial for allegedly fixing pitches, & their defence now says a third man deceived them both, according to GamblingNews. Prosecutors reject that account, calling the pair “cheaters” in court.
Why it matters
Clase’s attorney Michael Bronson argued the pitcher, who has earned more than $13m over seven MLB seasons, would not risk his career for a “few thousand dollars” in alleged kickbacks. MLB’s Paul Mifsud testified that discussing pitch selection with a bettor breaches the loyalty clause in every player’s contract.
The record
| Clase’s alleged conduct | At least 18 pitches manipulated across 17 games, May 2023 to May 2025 (prosecutors) |
|---|---|
| Ortiz’s alleged conduct | Joined scheme June 2025, manipulated 2 pitches in 2 games (prosecutors) |
| Alleged bribe | $5,000 paid to Ortiz to alter a play on 15 June 2025 (investigators) |
| Clase’s career earnings | More than $13m over seven MLB seasons (defence attorney Michael Bronson) |
| Charges | Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, honest services fraud, sports bribery & money laundering |
What happens next
The trial, delayed for months, began earlier this week, with prosecutors from the Eastern District of New York leading the case.
Sources: Cleveland Guardians Pitchers Clase and Ortiz Match Fixing Case Escalates
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