The federal sports betting scandal currently rocking Major League Baseball intensified dramatically on Sunday after the Department of Justice announced it had charged two Cleveland Guardians pitchers, Luis Ortiz and star closer Emmanuel Clase, in connection with sports betting and money laundering conspiracy.
The charges escalate a months-long league investigation into the two players that had previously resulted in both being placed on indefinite, non-disciplinary paid leave by MLB. Ortiz was reportedly arrested in Boston on Sunday, while Clase’s custody status was not immediately confirmed by federal authorities.
The charges mark a stunning fall for two key members of the Guardians’ pitching staff and signal a new, aggressive phase in the federal government’s involvement in the rapidly expanding world of legal and illegal sports wagering.
Prop Bets and Pitching Irregularities
The MLB investigation, which began in July, centered on unusual gambling activity surrounding in-game prop bets.
Ortiz, a right-hander, was initially flagged after a betting integrity firm noted unusual action on the outcomes of his first pitches in select innings of games on June 15 and June 27. In both instances, high-volume bets were placed on the pitch being a ball or a hit batsman, followed by Ortiz delivering pitches that were well outside the strike zone. MLB placed Ortiz on leave in July.
Just weeks later, two-time American League Reliever of the Year Emmanuel Clase, one of the game’s elite closers, was also placed on leave as the probe expanded. Clase was a key trade asset for the Guardians prior to his suspension.
The indictment alleges both pitchers engaged in a conspiracy to bet on sports and funnel money, raising the most serious questions of game integrity since the scandal involving former interpreter Ippei Mizuhara and Shohei Ohtani (who was cleared of wrongdoing).
If found guilty of betting on games in which they participated or could influence, Ortiz and Clase face the possibility of a lifetime ban from Major League Baseball, per league rules. The Guardians organization has consistently deferred all comment to the league office during the investigation.
The charges underscore the growing intersection of professional sports and gambling and the significant legal and integrity risks facing players.
