Guardians' Emmanuel Clase accused of rigging playoff pitch

New allegations claim Clase used coded language to rig a pitch in the 2024 ALDS against the Tigers

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Cleveland Guardians pitcher Emmanuel Clase has been accused of rigging a pitch in the 2024 ALDS playoff game against the Detroit Tigers. Federal prosecutors allege that Clase discussed his plans to rig the pitch using coded language like "rooster" and "chicken" in text messages, in order to benefit gamblers. The pitch in question occurred on October 5, 2024, in Game 1 of the ALDS, where Clase allegedly threw a low pitch as part of the scheme.

Why it matters

These new allegations against Clase add to the ongoing scandal surrounding the Guardians pitcher, who was previously arrested for his alleged involvement in a gambling scheme. The accusations of pitch-rigging in the playoffs raise serious concerns about the integrity of the game and could have significant consequences for Clase and the Guardians organization.

The details

According to court documents, federal prosecutors have unveiled further evidence of Clase's alleged attempts to rig pitches to benefit gamblers. The text messages reveal Clase using coded language like "rooster" and "chicken" to discuss his plans. In one exchange, a text told Clase to "Throw a rock at the first rooster in today's fight," to which Clase responded "Yes, of course, that's an easy toss to that rooster" and said he would throw it "low." Video footage of Clase's pitches from that game shows the first pitch matching the description of the allegedly rigged pitch.

  • On October 5, 2024, in Game 1 of the ALDS between the Cleveland Guardians and Detroit Tigers, the alleged rigged pitch occurred.

The players

Emmanuel Clase

A pitcher for the Cleveland Guardians who has been accused of rigging a pitch in the 2024 ALDS playoff game against the Detroit Tigers as part of an illegal sports gambling scheme.

Michael Ferrara

The lawyer for Emmanuel Clase, who has stated that Clase is "innocent and denies all allegations" against him.

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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, Lawyer for Emmanuel Clase (The Athletic)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Clase's bail and whether he will be allowed to continue playing while the trial proceeds.

The takeaway

These new allegations against Clase further undermine the integrity of the game and raise serious questions about the Guardians' handling of the situation. The outcome of the trial will be closely watched, as it could have significant implications for Clase's career and the public's trust in professional baseball.