Guardians Pitchers Accused in Pitch-Fixing Scheme

Lawyers for Luis Ortiz seek to sever his case from teammate Emmanuel Clase

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Lawyers for Guardians pitcher Luis Ortiz are seeking to have his case severed from that of his teammate Emmanuel Clase, as federal prosecutors allege the two were involved in a pitching-rigging scheme. Ortiz's lawyer claims Ortiz was a victim of Clase's scheme rather than a willing participant, and argues there is a potential conflict of interest if the cases remain joined.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing issue of pitch-fixing and game manipulation in Major League Baseball, which threatens the integrity of the sport. The alleged scheme resulted in significant betting winnings for those involved, raising concerns about the influence of gambling in professional sports.

The details

According to the unsealed indictment, Clase is accused of rigging pitches dating back to May 2023 by throwing them for balls to help bettors' prop bets. Ortiz is alleged to have joined the scheme in June 2025, with both players receiving kickbacks. Prosecutors claim the bettors netted $460,000 in winnings. Both Clase and Ortiz face charges including wire fraud conspiracy, honest services wire fraud conspiracy, conspiracy to influence sporting contests by bribery, and money laundering conspiracy.

  • The alleged pitch-rigging scheme began in May 2023.
  • Ortiz is accused of joining the scheme in June 2025.

The players

Luis Ortiz

A pitcher for the Cleveland Guardians who is accused of being involved in a pitch-fixing scheme with his teammate Emmanuel Clase.

Emmanuel Clase

A pitcher for the Cleveland Guardians who is accused of orchestrating a pitch-rigging scheme dating back to May 2023.

Christos N. Georgalis

The lawyer representing Luis Ortiz, who is seeking to have Ortiz's case severed from that of his teammate Emmanuel Clase.

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What they’re saying

“Ortiz's lawyer, Christos N. Georgalis, asked for a federal judge to break up the cases so they could move forward independently of each other while labelling his client 'a victim of Clase's scheme, rather than a knowing and willing participant,'”

— Christos N. Georgalis, Lawyer representing Luis Ortiz (The Athletic)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide whether to allow the cases against Ortiz and Clase to be severed.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing problem of pitch-fixing and game manipulation in professional sports, which threatens the integrity of the game and raises concerns about the influence of gambling. The potential conflict of interest and differing levels of involvement between the two players involved underscores the complexity of these types of cases.