Guardians Closer Emmanuel Clase Accused of Rigging Playoff Pitch in Gambling Scheme

Prosecutors claim Clase participated in illegal pitch-fixing operation during 2024 postseason

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase has been accused of participating in an illegal pitch-rigging scheme during the 2024 MLB playoffs, according to a 29-page indictment revealed by prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York. Clase allegedly rigged at least 15 pitches from 2023-2025, including one in Game 1 of the 2024 ALDS against the Tigers, where he threw a perfect ninth inning but is accused of manipulating three of his eight pitches.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing problem of sports betting corruption and the lengths some athletes will go to manipulate games for financial gain. It raises serious questions about the integrity of professional sports and the ability of leagues to effectively police their own players.

The details

According to the indictment, Clase used coded language like "rooster" and "chicken" to refer to the rigged pitches, which were part of a broader betting scheme that allegedly netted bettors $460,000. Prosecutors claim Clase rigged pitches in at least 15 games from 2023-2025, including the perfect ninth inning he threw in Game 1 of the 2024 ALDS against the Tigers, where he is accused of manipulating three of his eight pitches.

  • In the ninth inning of Game 1 of the 2024 ALDS against the Tigers, Clase allegedly rigged three of his eight pitches.
  • Clase and his Guardians teammate Luis Ortiz went on non-disciplinary paid leave in July 2025 as part of the gambling investigation.
  • Clase and Ortiz were officially indicted in November 2025.

The players

Emmanuel Clase

The Guardians' closer who has been accused of participating in an illegal pitch-rigging scheme during the 2024 MLB playoffs.

Luis Ortiz

Clase's Guardians teammate who was also allegedly involved in the betting scheme, though his lawyer claims he was a "victim of Clase's scheme, rather than a knowing and willing participant".

U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York

The prosecutors who revealed the 29-page indictment against Clase and Ortiz.

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What they’re saying

“Emmanuel Clase is innocent and denies all allegations in the superseding indictment. While we remain disappointed in the flawed views of the evidence and rush to judgment that led to these charges, we look forward to clearing his name at trial where the full facts and circumstances of the case will be revealed.”

— Michael Ferrara, Clase's lawyer (The Athletic)

“Christos N. Georgalis, the lawyer for Ortiz, recently called his client 'a victim of Clase's scheme, rather than a knowing and willing participant' and asked for the cases to be broken up.”

— Christos N. Georgalis, Ortiz's lawyer (The Athletic)

What’s next

Clase's trial is set for May 4, 2026 in Brooklyn. The judge will also decide on Tuesday whether to allow Clase and Ortiz to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing threat of sports betting corruption and the need for professional leagues to strengthen their integrity and monitoring systems to protect the fairness and credibility of their competitions. It also raises concerns about the ability of repeat offenders to continue participating in sports while facing criminal charges.