Court Filing Alleges Emmanuel Clase Manipulated Pitches

A new court filing suggests the gambling case involving Cleveland Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase reaches far beyond what federal prosecutors first revealed.

According to documents filed Thursday, Clase allegedly threw suspicious, prearranged pitches to benefit bettors in at least 48 games between 2023 and 2025. That figure dwarfs the nine games originally listed in the indictment unsealed in November.

The filing came from the attorney of Clase’s teammate and alleged co-conspirator, Luis Ortiz, who asked the court to sever Ortiz’s case from Clase’s. Ortiz’s lawyer argued that the scope of the allegations against Clase could unfairly influence a jury against his client, describing “26 months of alleged criminal conduct” that includes dozens of communications with bettors, cash transfers and coordinated wagers.

Allegations Span Nearly a Quarter of Clase’s Appearances

Clase appeared in 197 regular-season games from 2023 through July 2025, when MLB placed him on non-disciplinary leave amid the investigation. If prosecutors’ claims hold, the alleged manipulation occurred in roughly one-quarter of those outings.

A separate court record revealed that Clase’s legal team identified at least 250 pitches on which bets were placed. A judge has since asked the government to provide discovery related to any additional pitches it believes were part of the alleged conspiracy.

Prosecutors claim Clase worked with bettors based in the Dominican Republic and accepted thousands of dollars in bribes to influence wagers tied to the type, speed and outcome of specific pitches. Authorities allege the scheme helped bettors win at least $460,000.

Ortiz’s Role Described as Limited by Defense

Ortiz, who joined Cleveland in 2025 after three seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates, allegedly participated in only two games in June 2025, according to the original indictment. His attorney emphasized that the charging documents do not show Ortiz communicating directly with bettors and described the payments he received as unrelated to illegal activity.

The defense argues the stark difference in alleged involvement could lead to “guilt by association” if the two pitchers are tried together.

Both players have pleaded not guilty to charges that include wire fraud conspiracy, honest services wire fraud conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy and conspiracy to influence sporting events by bribery. The most serious charges carry potential sentences of up to 20 years in prison.

MLB, Guardians Await Legal Outcome

Major League Baseball placed both pitchers on leave in July and has said it is cooperating with federal authorities. The league declined further comment beyond its initial statement.

Clase, a three-time All-Star and two-time American League Reliever of the Year, stood as one of baseball’s most dominant closers during the period in question and stood in the fourth year of a five-year, $20 million contract when he landed on the sidelines.

The court set the trial for May 4, though Ortiz’s attorney has requested additional time.

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