Guardians Pitcher Emmanuel Clase Charged in Pitch-Rigging Scandal

Prosecutors allege Clase used coded language to coordinate with co-conspirators on rigged pitches to benefit sports bettors.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Federal prosecutors have unsealed a 29-page indictment alleging that Cleveland Guardians pitcher Emmanuel Clase engaged in an illegal sports gambling scheme during the 2024 postseason. The indictment claims Clase used coded language like "rooster" and "chicken" in text messages to coordinate with co-conspirators on rigging pitches to benefit sports bettors, resulting in at least $450,000 in winnings. Prosecutors say Clase rigged 15 pitches from 2023 to 2025, including one in the 2024 ALDS. Another man, Robinson Vasquez Germosen, has also been indicted for his role as a middleman in the scheme.

Why it matters

This case represents a major scandal in Major League Baseball, as it involves allegations of a pitcher intentionally rigging games to benefit illegal sports betting operations. It raises questions about the integrity of the sport and the ability of leagues to prevent such corruption. The case also highlights the growing problem of sports betting-related corruption as legalized gambling continues to expand across the United States.

The details

According to the indictment, Clase would receive coded text messages before games instructing him to "throw a rock at the first rooster" or "play the 3rd chicken" - language prosecutors say was used to coordinate the rigging of specific pitches. Clase would then allegedly throw those pitches in a way that allowed bettors to win their wagers. Prosecutors say Clase and his co-conspirators, including teammate Luis Ortiz and middleman Robinson Vasquez Germosen, netted at least $450,000 in winnings from the scheme.

  • On June 4, 2023, Clase received a text message referring to a "rooster" that led to bettors winning $33,000.
  • On Sept. 30, 2023, Clase texted a bettor about "chicken number 3" but did not end up pitching that day.
  • On Oct. 5, 2024, Clase is accused of rigging a pitch in the 9th inning of the Guardians' ALDS Game 1 win over the Detroit Tigers.

The players

Emmanuel Clase

A pitcher for the Cleveland Guardians who is accused of rigging pitches to benefit an illegal sports betting operation.

Robinson Vasquez Germosen

An alleged middleman who worked with Clase and Ortiz to coordinate the rigged pitches and betting.

Luis Ortiz

A Guardians teammate of Clase who is accused of joining the pitch-rigging scheme in June 2025.

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What they’re saying

“The indictment contains allegations, not proof. Mr. Vasquez is completely innocent, and the evidence at trial will clear his name.”

— Todd Spodek, Attorney for Robinson Vasquez Germosen

What’s next

The trial for Clase, Ortiz, and Vasquez is set for May 4, 2026 in Brooklyn, New York, though Ortiz's counsel has requested to push back the date.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing threat of sports betting-related corruption in professional sports, and the challenges leagues face in maintaining the integrity of their games. It will likely lead to increased scrutiny and oversight of player and team activities to prevent future incidents of this nature.