Guardians Pitchers Plead Not Guilty in Pitch-Rigging Case

Trial likely to be postponed until October as investigation continues

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Two Cleveland Guardians pitchers, Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz, have pleaded not guilty to charges of colluding with sports bettors to rig bets and betray 'America's pastime'. The scheduled spring fraud trial will likely be postponed until October, according to a federal judge. The rewritten indictment added allegations that Clase used code words like 'rooster' and 'chicken' in communications about pitches to be thrown.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing concerns around match-fixing and sports betting integrity, which can undermine public trust in the fairness of professional sports. The allegations against the Guardians pitchers raise questions about the potential for corruption within Major League Baseball and the need for stronger safeguards to protect the sport's reputation.

The details

Clase and Ortiz, speaking through a translator, pleaded not guilty to the rewritten indictment in Brooklyn federal court. The indictment alleges that the pitchers accepted thousands of dollars in payoffs to help two gamblers from their native Dominican Republic win at least $460,000 by placing in-game prop bets and parlays on the speed and outcome of certain pitches. Prosecutors also charged a third individual for serving as a middleman between the bettors and Clase.

  • The pitchers were first charged in November 2025.
  • The rewritten indictment was released on Friday, February 16, 2026.
  • The scheduled trial date is currently set for May 4, 2026, but the judge indicated it will likely be postponed to October.

The players

Emmanuel Clase

A Cleveland Guardians pitcher and former closer who is accused of colluding with sports bettors to rig bets.

Luis Ortiz

A Cleveland Guardians pitcher who is accused of joining Clase's scheme to rig bets with sports bettors.

Kiyo A. Matsumoto

The federal judge presiding over the case, who indicated the trial will likely be postponed until October.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage the integrity of our national pastime.”

— Robert Jenkins, Sports Integrity Advocate

What’s next

The judge will decide in the coming weeks whether to officially postpone the trial to October.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenge of maintaining the integrity of professional sports in the face of the growing influence of sports betting. It underscores the need for stronger oversight and enforcement measures to protect the fairness and reputation of America's beloved pastime.