Two Cleveland Guardians pitchers charged in illegal sports betting scheme

Major League Baseball (MLB) is facing renewed scrutiny over game integrity after federal prosecutors charged two Cleveland Guardians pitchers with rigging pitches for betting profits, prompting the league to reaffirm its cooperation with law enforcement and its ongoing internal investigation.

Federal prosecutors in Brooklyn and the FBI announced that Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase de la Cruz and Luis Leandro Ortiz Ribera were charged in an alleged conspiracy involving illegal sports betting and money laundering. Both players are accused of coordinating with bettors to influence the outcome of specific pitches during MLB games.

According to ABC News, the indictment scheme began in 2023, when Clase allegedly started working with sports bettors to share details about the speed and type of pitches he would throw. Prosecutors allege that the bettors used this information to place prop bets worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. Investigators said Clase often threw rigged pitches on the first pitch of an at-bat and, in some cases, deliberately threw balls into the dirt to ensure a predetermined result.

The BBC reported that Ortiz allegedly joined the scheme in 2025. Before a June 15, 2025, game, he agreed to throw a ball on a particular pitch in exchange for a $5,000 bribe, while Clase received a similar amount for arranging it, prosecutors said. A separate instance on June 27, 2025, allegedly involved bettors paying both players $7,000 each to influence another pitch.

Alleged profits and cash transactions

Federal investigators claim that Clase’s cooperation helped bettors win at least $400,000 in fraudulent wagers, while Ortiz’s involvement generated at least $60,000. The BBC reported that prior to one of the games, Clase withdrew $50,000 in cash and provided $15,000 to a co-conspirator who used the money to place bets.

The indictment charges both players with wire fraud conspiracy, honest services wire fraud conspiracy, conspiracy to influence sporting contests by bribery, and money laundering conspiracy.

“The defendants’ alleged greed not only established an unfair advantage for select bettors, but also sullied the reputation of America's pastime,” FBI Assistant Director in Charge Christopher Raia said in a statement.

US Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. said: “The defendants deprived the Cleveland Guardians and Major League Baseball of their honest services. They defrauded the online betting platforms where the bets were placed.” He added that corruption within sports “damages the public trust in an institution that is vital and dear to all of us.”

In a statement on Sunday, MLB said it contacted federal law enforcement “at the outset of its investigation” and “has fully cooperated throughout the process.” The Cleveland Guardians said they are “aware of the recent law enforcement action” and “will continue to fully cooperate with both law enforcement and Major League Baseball as their investigations continue.”

Legal representation and ongoing proceedings

Ortiz was arrested at Logan Airport in Boston on Sunday, while Clase was not yet in custody, according to prosecutors. Both players have been on paid leave since the summer, during the league’s internal review.

Ortiz’s lawyer, Chris Georgalis, told CBS News that his client “is innocent of the charges related to two pitches he threw,” adding, “He has never, and would never, improperly influence a game—not for anyone and not for anything.” The BBC reported that Clase’s representative, Kelvin Nova, previously told Cleveland.com that his client “told me he doesn’t bet.”

The case follows recent FBI announcements involving arrests in separate sports betting and money laundering investigations tied to a professional basketball player, a coach, and members of organized crime families.