The Horn News

Proudly American, Fiercely Independent

[Footage] Feds uncover explosive MLB cheating scandal

By:

For the second time in weeks, federal investigators have uncovered another major gambling case involving professional athletes and leagues.

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) indicted two Cleveland Guardians pitchers, closer Emmanuel Clase and starter Luis Ortiz, for their alleged role in a pitch-rigging scheme tied to sports betting.

The news comes after the DOJ unveiled a case on October 23 related to NBA betting that led to the arrest of dozens, including Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier.

According to yesterday’s shocking indictment, prosecutors say bettors won “at least $450,000” due to the actions of Clase and Ortiz.

The allegations center specifically on “first pitch of an inning” bets where Clase and/or Ortiz would purposely throw balls and control the velocity.

“The defendants agreed in advance with their co-conspirators to throw specific types and velocity of pitches, and their co-conspirators used that inside information to place wagers on those pitches. In some instances, the defendants received bribes and kickback payments—funneled through third parties—in exchange for rigging pitches,” the indictment said.

Major League Baseball placed both Clase and Ortiz on non-disciplinary paid leave in July while investigating the allegations.

However, yesterday’s indictment outlines specific actions discovered during the investigation, including Clase of texting co-conspirators during at least one game, a violation of MLB rules (players may not use cell phones during games).

In a May 2025 game against the Cincinnati Reds, Clase allegedly texted one of the bettors to ask if the bettor was “ready.” According to the filing, several bettors won over $10,000 after Clase threw a pitch in the dirt to the first hitter of the inning.

In one instance, Clase allegedly attempted to rig a pitch against the Los Angeles Dodgers. However, Dodgers’ hitter Andy Pages swung at the pitch in the dirt. One bettor allegedly texted Clase a GIF of a man hanging himself with toilet paper.

Here’s the footage from that game —

However, the reports suggest that this was not just a one-game thing, as one social media user gathered a compilation of suspicious pitches thrown by Clase through

The indictment also stated that Clase allegedly received payment for his role in the scheme, but in one instance instructed co-conspirators to “send some of [the money] to the [Dominican Republic],” send it “as if it were someone else,” and say the money was “for repairs at the country house.”

Investigators uncovered that Clase allegedly recruited his Guardians teammate, Ortiz, into the fray.

According to the indictment, before one of Ortiz’s starts in June, Clase told Ortiz that he would give him $5,000 to throw a ball for his first pitch in the second inning.

In order to hide the payment, Clase texted Ortiz, “They’re going to ask him what is that payment for over there. Tell him that this is payment for a horse.”

prosecutors say they have bank camera footage of Clase withdrawing approximately $50,000 before a June 27, 2025, game and later, at the same bank one hour later, footage shows one of them depositing $15,000.

During that game, bettors placed approximately $18,000 of bets on Ortiz to throw a ball on the first pitch of the third inning against the Cardinals.

Here is footage of that pitch —

Both pitchers face four charges: Wire Fraud Conspiracy, Honest Services Wire Fraud Conspiracy, Conspiracy to Influence Sporting Contests by Bribery, and Money Laundering Conspiracy.

Major League Baseball, which has been investigating Clase for months, said it’s been cooperating with the government investigation.

About the Author

Cory Templeman is an experienced writer and researcher who has worked with some of the biggest names in the publishing business. Cory lives in South Carolina with his wife and three kids.