"Two Cleveland Guardians are in hot water. In early July, Major League Baseball placed Luis Ortiz on non-disciplinary paid leave due to an investigation into potential gambling charges. Toward the end of July, teammate Emmanuel Clase was also placed on non-disciplinary paid leave. Neither pitcher threw another pitch in 2025 as the Guardians did the improbable and made the postseason."
"On Nov. 9, multiple sources reported that both players have been charged and could face 65 years in prison if convicted. Their charges include wire fraud, money laundering conspiracy, conspiracy to influence sports contests by bribery, and other charges. The scheme was simple; bettors placed a bet on whether their first pitch would be a strike or a ball. Clase allegedly has been involved in the scheme since May 2023 and earned the bettors over $400,000. Ortiz joined the scheme in June of this year."
Luis Ortiz and Emmanuel Clase were placed on non-disciplinary paid leave by Major League Baseball in July amid a gambling investigation. Both players have been charged with offenses including wire fraud, money laundering conspiracy, and conspiracy to influence sports contests by bribery, with potential sentences up to 65 years if convicted. The alleged scheme had bettors wagering on whether the pitchers’ first pitch would be a strike or a ball. Clase allegedly participated since May 2023 and generated over $400,000 for bettors; Ortiz allegedly joined in June 2025. Some U.S. sportsbooks have capped related prop bets during the probe.
Read at BlueJaysNation
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]