Guardians Pitchers Plead Not Guilty in Pitch-Rigging Case

Trial likely to be postponed until October as Clase and Ortiz deny charges of colluding with sports bettors

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz have pleaded not guilty to charges of colluding with sports bettors in an alleged pitch-rigging scheme. The trial, originally scheduled for May, is likely to be postponed until October after the players entered their pleas through a translator in a Brooklyn federal court.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenges professional sports leagues face in combating corruption and maintaining the integrity of their games. The allegations against Clase and Ortiz, two prominent Guardians pitchers, have raised concerns about the potential for match-fixing and the impact it could have on the sport's reputation and fan trust.

The details

The rewritten indictment accuses Clase of using code words related to roosters and chickens when dealing with co-conspirators. It also alleges that Clase rigged a pitch to the first batter he faced -- Detroit's Matt Vierling -- in Game 1 of the 2024 American League Division Series, where he bounced the pitch before striking out Vierling. Clase and Ortiz were indicted on charges including wire fraud conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy, and conspiracy to influence sporting contests by bribery.

  • On November 9, 2025, Clase and Ortiz were indicted on the charges.
  • On November 10, 2025, Ortiz pleaded not guilty.
  • On November 13, 2025, Clase was taken into custody at JFK Airport in New York and pleaded not guilty the same day.
  • On February 19, 2026, Clase and Ortiz pleaded not guilty through a translator in a Brooklyn federal court.

The players

Emmanuel Clase

A two-time AL Reliever of the Year and a three-time All-Star, Clase has a 21-26 record with a 1.88 ERA and 182 saves over six seasons, the last five of which came while pitching for the Guardians.

Luis Ortiz

Ortiz was traded to the Guardians ahead of the 2025 season and has a 4.05 ERA over 75 appearances (50 starts) spanning four major league seasons.

Matt Vierling

A Detroit Tigers player who was the first batter Clase faced in Game 1 of the 2024 American League Division Series, where Clase is alleged to have rigged a pitch.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.