NOTE TO THE READER: This article will be regularly updated to include updates on the trial for both defendants. Look below for our friendly table of contents to go straight to what you’re looking for!
You may read names that have been redacted from the indictment paperwork. For example, Bettor 1, Betting Platform 1. These identities are known to the grand jury, but not the general public.
All clips were pulled from MLB Film Room, full courtesy to them!
- Thursday, November 13th, 2025: Emmanuel Clase Arrested + Arraignment Update For Clase
- Wednesday, November 12th, 2025: Luis L. Ortiz Pleads Not Guilty + Arraignment Update
- Tuesday, November 11th, 2025: MLB Prefers to Impose Punishments on Clase and Ortiz Before Spring Training
- Monday, November 10th: Luis L. Ortiz is currently out on a $500,000 bail after his initial court hearing.
- Emmanuel Clase and Luis L. Ortiz: The Sport Betting Scandal Uncovered – Monday, November 10th, 2025
Thursday, November 13th, 2025: Emmanuel Clase Arrested + Arraignment Update For Clase
Emmanuel Clase arrived at JFK Airport this morning from the Dominican Republic and was arrested by FBI agents, per Eastern District of New York DOJ spokesperson. His arraignment was set for 2 p.m. ET.
Clase pleaded not guilty and sat quietly as the translator, translated to Clase, and pleaded through his attorney. Joseph A. Marutollo, the federal judge overseeing Thursday’s hearing, said that he believed the “evidence is strong” against Clase. He was released on bond and he is not allowed to gamble. He is also having his GPS tracked through an ankle monitor.
Wednesday, November 12th, 2025: Luis L. Ortiz Pleads Not Guilty + Arraignment Update
Luis L. Ortiz appeared in federal court today, just days after he was arrested at a Boston airport, just minutes before the indictment became public. Ortiz offered short answers to the Judge in the courtroom today and didn’t respond to reporters once he walked out of the courthouse with his lawyer and wife. Ortiz is now currently on GPS monitoring, after losing his passport after prosecutors said he was a flight risk. He is set to appear once again in court on Wednesday, November 19th 2025.
Per multiple sources, Emmanuel Clase is expected to appear in court on Thursday, November 13th, 2025. You can find the latest developments in an update here, or on any of Bear Sports News socials.
Tuesday, November 11th, 2025: MLB Prefers to Impose Punishments on Clase and Ortiz Before Spring Training
According to Ken Rosenthal and Zach Meisel from The Athletic, the MLB would prefer to discipline Emmanuel Clase and Luis L. Ortiz before the beginning of spring training. This would mean the Guardians would not have to pay them “as long as they are unavailable to the club”.
Rosenthal and Meisel mention that the time frame for discipline is ‘uncertain’. This is due to the government’s involvement in Clase’s and Ortiz’s situation, as well as their lawyers claiming their innocence.
Both of them did receive their full 2025 salaries, Ortiz is slated to make closer to $800,000 as a pre-arbitration player. While Clase in tearing the final year of a 20m/5yr deal. His is set to make 6m in his final year, with a 10m club option in 27’ and 28’. The only way that the Guardians would not have to pay them, is if the league suspends them.
Luis L. Ortiz 2025 salary: $782,600
Emmanuel Clase 2025 salary: $4,500,000
The team has already been preparing for the 2026 season without the idea of neither of the two on the roster. But the team won’t really be able to plan to reapply that money elsewhere just yet. Without knowing when the league may impose punishment, and if the players union potentially tries to step in to stop the suspension. The Guardians are waiting just as much as we are.
Monday, November 10th: Luis L. Ortiz is currently out on a $500,000 bail after his initial court hearing.
Chief Magistrate Judge Donald L. Cabell set multiple conditions for Luis L. Ortiz following him making bail.
- $50,000 of the $500,000 bond must be posted within three weeks.
- No travel outside the state of New York and/or The United States, restrictions include Massachusetts, where he resides with his wife, trips to New York for his court hearings and to meet with his primary counsel in Cleveland.
- Ortiz was ordered to surrender his passport.
- Submit to the third-party custody of his wife.
- Report and follow instructions set from a probation officer.
- Avoid all contact with anyone who can be viewed as a victim, witness or co-defendant in the case.
Emmanuel Clase and Luis L. Ortiz: The Sport Betting Scandal Uncovered – Monday, November 10th, 2025
On Sunday, November 9th, 2025, the Department of Justice announced the indictments of Emmanuel Clase and Luis L. Ortiz. They are being charged with four different counts, including Wire Fraud, Honest Services Wire Fraud Conspiracy, Conspiracy to Influence Sporting Contests by Bribery and Money Laundering Conspiracy. This is in relation to both their suspensions that took place in June 2025.
According to the indictment paperwork, that Bear Sports News obtained. It claims that the defendants agreed in advance to throw specific types and speeds of pitches. Their co-conspirators used inside information to place wagers on those pitches. The defendants received ‘bribes and kickbacks’ that were funneled through third parties-in exchange for rigging pitches.
Today, we will be reviewing the full indictment paperwork together. Looking at the specific pitches that Emmanuel Clase or Luis L. Ortiz threw when bets were placed on that pitch, and anything else interesting that comes up in the indictment. Strap in, get ready, because I personally don’t think this is the last time this will happen.
How it All Started
If you are just reading this story because you are interested in what’s going on, or whether you’re a longtime fan. Welcome! If you don’t know who I’m talking about, let me break it down for you. The defendants Emmanuel Clase and Luis L. Ortiz are both pitchers for the Cleveland Guardians. Clase is a relief pitcher, and Ortiz is a starting pitcher. They are both citizens of the Dominican Republic.
If you weren’t aware, the MLB rules strictly prohibit MLB players from gambling on MLB games that they were involved. In Rule 21 of MLB’s rule book, it states that any player who bets any sum upon any game, will be declared permanently ineligible. This also goes for players asking others to place bets on their behalf. MLB also prohibits players from using their cellphones during the games. Make sure you remember that part because it comes into play later.
The scheme started when the bettors realized that they can use Betting Platform 1 and Betting Platform 2 to place a prop bet on a player, rather than the final outcome of the game.
For example, Betting Platform 1 & 2 offer prop bets on whether a pitch will be a Ball/HBP, and even the speed of pitch.
In addition, Betting Platform 1 & 2 offer parlay bets, which wagers 2 or more bets. Because parlay bets require the bettor to win multiple bets, the payout for these type of bets are generally higher, then just winning single bets. All bettors involved agreed to the terms of use of both Betting Platforms. Which include that if a user is involved with sports contests, pre-release confidential info, or other information that was not available to other bettors, including information provided by a professional athlete. Including non-public injury information and placing wagers as an agent or proxy for any individual other than the account holder.
Bettor 1 and 2 are both citizens of the Dominican Republic, they both maintained accounts with both of the Betting Platforms. Bettor 1 used his account to place multiple bets on Clase’s and Ortiz’s pitches. While Bettor 2 used all three of his accounts to place multiple bets on the defendants.
From May 2023 through June 2025, the defendants agreed with Bettor 1 and others to throw specific pitches in MLB games, so the bettors and at times Clase could profit from the illegal bets placed with the inside information.
Around June 2025, Luis L. Ortiz joined the scheme with Clase and agreed to throw certain pitches in MLB games for money. Overall the bettors won at least $450,000 from the betting platforms for pitches thrown by the defendants.
Beginning in May 2023, Emmanuel Clase agreed with Bettor 1 on specific pitches he would throw in games. Usually Clase would throw balls (instead of strikes) and ‘slider’ pitches, rather than his fastball. This was agreed to happen when Clase entered the game as a relief pitcher, and would take place on the first pitch of his appearance.
With Clase’s knowledge and approval, Bettor 1 and Bettor 2 would go on to use this information to place over a hundred straight bets and parlays on Betting Platform 1 and 2 over the course of the years.
2023 – Putting the Plan in Motion
On May 19th, 2023, versus the New York Mets, Emmanuel Clase told Bettor 1 about a specific pitch he intended to throw (cutter/fastball). Bettor 1 and several others then won approximately $27,000 for wagering that Clase’s first pitch would be faster than 94.95mph.
This is reportedly the first instance of Clase putting the scheme into motion on the ball field.
On June 3rd, 2023, versus the Minnesota Twins, Emmanuel Clase informed Bettor 1 of a specific pitch that he would throw. Bettor 1 and several others placed bets on Ball/HBP and slower than 94.95mph. Clase’s pitch hit the dirt before it got to the plate. Bettor 1 and several others won approximately $38,000 after their wagers won.
On June 7th, 2023, versus the Boston Red Sox, Emmanuel Clase notified Bettor 1 of a specific pitch he intended to throw. Bettor 1 and several others placed bets on Ball/HBP and slower than 94.95mph. Clase’s pitch once again hit the dirt before getting to the plate. Bettor 1 and several others won approximately $58,000 after their wagers won.
These are the only instances in 2023 that were mentioned in the indictment. Overall, across three games, Bettor 1 and several others won approximately $123,000 across the Betting Platforms.
2025 – The Return of The Scheme
It was almost two years in between, but this is when it gets deeper then just a few pitches. Around April 2025, Emmanuel Clase requested and received bribe and kickback payments for agreeing to throw specific pitches.
On April 12th, 2025, versus the Kansas City Royals, once again, Emmanuel Clase notified Bettor 1 on a specific pitch he would throw. Bettor 1 and several others placed bets on Ball/HBP and slower than 94.95mph. Clase’s pitch hit the dirt before getting to the plate. Bettor 1 and several others won approximately $15,000 after their wagers won.
The following day, Emmanuel Clase contacted Bettor 1 and asked him if he had been able to “wager anything.”
Bettor 1 responded and said they had bet and won some money.
Clase then directed Bettor 1 to send some of the winnings to the Dominican Republic. Clase then provided information for a recipient for the money, and directed Bettor 1 to “send it as if it were someone else.” Clase mentioned that the money was “for repairs at the country house”
2025 – Talking to Bettor 1 During MLB Games
Remember i told you guys to remember how using your phone during MLB games is strictly prohibited? As part of the scheme, Emmanuel Clase would use his phone in the middle of games to coordinate with Bettor 1.
For example, on May 17th, 2025 versus the Cincinnati Reds, Emmanuel Clase sent a text message to Bettor 1 at approximately 8:24pm. The game started at 6:40pm.
The test message asked Bettor 1 if he was ready. Bettor 1 replied “of course.” Approximately 10 minutes later, Bettor 1, Bettor 2 and several others won approximately $10,000 by placing multiple bets that his first pitch would be both a Ball/HBP and slower than 97.95mph. Clase’s pitch was once again slower than 97.95mph and hit the dirt.
A few days later, on May 20th, 2025, Emmanuel Clase sent Bettor 1 a text message. The message contained banking information and told Bettor 1 to “let me know when you send the thing”
Bettor 1 responded “I will start with 2,000”.
Shortly after, Bettor 1 spoke with an associate known to Emmanuel Clase. Clase’s Associate 1 told Bettor 1 to sent approximately $2,000 to an individual in the Dominican Republic.
2025 – House Visits, Free MLB Tickets and More Rigged Bets
Not only did Emmanuel Clase use his cellphone to coordinate how these bets would be placed. He also invited Bettor 1 to his private residence in Ohio.
On April 25th, 2025, Bettor 1 traveled to Ohio to visit with the defendant. Clase then obtained tickets for Bettor 1 to go to the April 26th matchup between the Boston Red Sox.
The game began at 1:10pm, then at 3:16pm, Emmanuel Clase sent a message to Bettor 1, initiating a conversation. A few seconds later, they both had a conversation on the phone that lasted approximately two minutes.
Four minutes later, Bettor 1 and several others won approximately $11,000 on Betting Platform 2 by wagering by Clase’s first pitch would be slower than 97.95mph. Below is the pitch in question.
Then on May 11th, 2025, Bettor 1 once again traveled to Ohio and visited Emmanuel Clase at his private residence. Clase once again obtained tickets for Bettor 1 to go to the game that was taking place later in the day. That same day, Bettor 1, Bettor 2 and several others won approximately $11,000 by wagering that Clase’s pitch would be a Ball/HBP.
After the game, Bettor 1 visited Emmanuel Clase at his private residence once again.
2025 – The Rabbit Hole Goes Deeper
It was also mentioned in the indictment that, on some occasions, Emmanuel Clase would provide money to Bettor 1 to wager on Clase’s behalf on his own pitches.
For example, on May 13th 2025, Bettor 1 sent a text message to Clase. The text message had a phone number and told Clase to “send it there if you can.” Bettor 1 also mentioned that if Clase couldn’t send the money, they can work with what they have.
Clase responded and asked how much he should send.
Bettor 1 replied and said however much he can send, $2,500 and under.
Clase then proceeded to ask for the name of the individual and Bettor 1 told Clase the name. A few hours later, Clase sent $2,500 to an account with an individual with the same first name. Moments later, the individual sent the $2,500 to Bettor 1.
Later that day, after Bettor 1, Bettor 2 and several others received advanced information from Clase about what pitch he would throw. They placed bets that Clase’s pitch would be both a Ball/HBP and slower than 99.45mph. Clase threw the pitch slower than 99.45mph and low in the dirt.
2025 – Parlays + GIF’s
To start generating larger returns on fraudulent pitches, Bettor 1 and the other bettors would place parlay bets. For example, between 2023 and 2025, Bettor 1 placed approximately sixteen (16) parlay bets.
In one parlay, Bettor 1 placed an eight leg parlay, the first seven had hit. Then on the eighth pitch, Emmanuel Clase threw a pitch outside the strike zone. The batter ended up swinging at the pitch outside of the zone.
This parlay specifically happened on May 28th, 2025 versus the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The game started at 1:10pm, before the game began, at approximately 1:00pm, Bettor 1 sent a text message to Clase. Asking if he was all set.
Clase responded and said “yes.”
At approximately 3:36pm, Bettor 1 and 2 placed approximately $4,000 (including the parlay we mentioned.)
Both Bettor 1 and Bettor 2 lost their bets, approximately 20 minutes after the wager was lost. Bettor 1 sent a text message to Emmanuel Clase, a GIF of a man hanging himself with toilet paper.
Emmanuel Clase then responded 10 minutes later, with a GIF of his own. A sad puppy dog face, this was sent despite the Guardians winning the game.
Overall, between 2023 and 2025, Bettor 1, Bettor 2 and several others won approximately $400,000 on pitches thrown by Emmanuel Clase.
2025 – Luis L. Ortiz Joins The Scheme
In June 2025, Luis L. Ortiz joined the criminal scheme along fellow Guardians teammate, Emmanuel Clase. Ortiz also agreed to throw balls instead of strikes in exchange for bribes or kickbacks. Clase was the middle man between Ortiz and Bettor 1.
In return for his services, Clase requested and received money for coordinating the scheme between Ortiz and Bettor 1.
On June 15th, 2025, Luis L. Ortiz was slated to start the game. Ortiz told Emmanuel Clase that in exchange for approximately $5,000, Ortiz would throw a ball for his first pitch of the second inning. Clase further agreed with Bettor 1 that he would receive approximately $5,000 for arranging [Subject Pitch 1] with Luis L. Ortiz and Bettor 1.
The June 15th game was scheduled to begin at 4:10pm.
Approximately at 1:40pm, Bettor 1 sent text messages to Emmanuel Clase, making sure everything was okay and if “everything under control there.”
Clase and Bettor 1 then went on and had a brief phone call.
Approximately at 3:30pm, Bettor 1 and Bettor 2 placed several wagers totaling approximately $13,000 that [Subject Pitch 1] would be a ball. It was indeed a ball, leading to a payout of approximately $26,000 for Bettor 1 and 2.
A day after on June 16th, 2025, Bettor 1 contacted Clase’s associate. Clase’s associate told Bettor 1 to electronically transfer $10,000 in smaller increments to multiple individuals that resided in the Dominican Republic.
Shortly thereafter, Emmanuel Clase contacted Bettor 1 in a text message. The text message said “you were going to do it today, but you didn’t tell me anything.” Referring to the transfer of the $10,000 in bribe payments to Clase and Ortiz.
Bettor 1 then responded that everything was already there.
Later that day, Ortiz texted Clase “tell me what the guy from the thing told you.”
Clase responded, “they receive it tomorrow and I’ll place it over there” referring to the receipt of the $10,000 in bribe payments by multiple individuals in the Dominican Republic. As well as his intent to subsequently transfer those funds into the ultimate custody of Clase and Ortiz.
On June 19th, 2025, Emmanuel Clase sent Luis L. Ortiz, a photograph of a receipt for a wire transfer. This was for approximately 90,000 pesos from Clase’s associate to Ortiz’s. This also included an audio message directing Ortiz to cause his associates in the Dominican Republic to lie about the purpose of the funds Ortiz had received.
“They’re going to ask him what is that payment for over there. Tell him that this is payment for a horse. Payment for a horse. You got that?
Ortiz responded , “Okay, perfect.”
On June 27th, 2025, Luis L. Ortiz was once again scheduled to start against the St.Louis Cardinals. Luis L. Ortiz agreed with Emmanuel Clase that in exchange for $7,000, Ortiz would throw a ball for his first pitch in the third inning. This is regarded at [Subject Pitch 2].
Clase then agreed with Bettor 1 that himself and Ortiz would receive $7,000 each. ($14,000 in total)
Clase then obtained tickets for Bettor 1 to attend the June 27th game.
The same day, Emmanuel Clase was captured on bank security footage withdrawing approximately $50,000 worth of cash.
Clase then provided $15,000 to Bettor 1 to bet on [Subject Pitch 2].
Approximately an hour later, bank security footage captured Bettor 1 depositing $15,000 at the same bank Clase withdrew $50,000 at.
Before the ‘June 27th Game’ Bettor 1, Bettor 2 and several other bettors wagered approximately $18,000 on the Betting Platforms. The bettors bet that [Subject Pitch 2] would be a ball.
[Subject Pitch 2] was indeed a ball, leading to a payout of approximately $37,000 across the numerous of bettors.
Overall in the month of June 2025, bettors won approximately $60,000 from Luis L. Ortiz.
Criminal Forfeitures Incoming
As mentioned earlier, Emmanuel Clase and Luis L. Ortiz are being charged with four different counts. Including Wire Fraud Conspiracy, Honest Services Wire Fraud Conspiracy, Conspiracy to Influence Sporting Outcomes by Bribery and Money Laundering Conspiracy.
If indicted on any of the four charges, both Emmanuel Clase and Luis L. Ortiz would be forced to give up any property that was purchased by the winnings.
“The United States hereby gives notice to the defendants that, upon their conviction of any of the charges, the Government will seek forfeiture in accordance with Title 18. Which require any person convicted of [Count 1-3] or[Count 4] to forfeit any property, real or personal, constituting, or derived from, proceeds obtained directly or indirectly as such offenses.
- Cannot be located upon the exercise of due diligence;
- Has been transferred or sold to, or deposited with, a third party;
- Has been placed beyond the jurisdiction of the court;
- Has been substantially diminished in value; or
- Has been commingled with other property which cannot be divided.
What’s Next For The Defendants?
Luis L. Ortiz was arrested on Sunday, November 9th in Boston. While Emmanuel Clase is currently out of the country and is not in law enforcement custody.
If indicted on all charges, both pitchers are facing 65 years in prison. 20 years for wire fraud conspiracy, 20 years for honest services wire fraud conspiracy, five years for conspiracy to influence sporting contests by bribery and 20 years for money laundering conspiracy.
Clase’s agent, Michael Ferrara, said, “Emmanuel Clase has devoted his life to baseball and doing everything in his power to help his team win. Emmanuel is innocent of all charges and looks forward to clearing his name in court.”
The league provided the following statement: “MLB contacted federal law enforcement at the outset of its investigation and has fully cooperated throughout the process. We are aware of the indictment and today’s arrest, and our investigation is ongoing.”
Ortiz’s attorney, Chris Georgalis, sent the following statement to The Athletic: “Luis Ortiz is innocent of the charges related to two pitches he threw. He has never, and would never, improperly influence a game — not for anyone and not for anything. Luis is and always has been a fierce competitor. He has always given his best effort in every inning of every game. Those who have played with him know this. And the government’s investigation, including discussions with Luis’ teammates, supports this as well.
“As Luis’ defense team extensively explained and documented to the government before these charges were brought, Luis’ payments and other transfers of money between him and individuals in the Dominican Republic were for lawful activities. Notably, the indictment completely lacks any alleged evidence connecting Luis to these alleged bettors or demonstrating any purposeful involvement in a scheme.
“There is no credible evidence Luis knowingly did anything other than try to win games with every pitch and in every inning. Luis looks forward to fighting these charges in court. The government’s case is weak and circumstantial. He will defend himself, and he will prevail.”
Bear Sports News 
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