Prosecutors Claim Guardians Pitcher Rigged Playoff Game

Emmanuel Clase accused of throwing intentional balls to help bettors win prop bets

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Federal prosecutors have unsealed a 29-page indictment alleging that Cleveland Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase rigged pitches in multiple games from 2023 to 2025 to help his co-conspirators win prop bets. One specific example cited is Game 1 of the 2024 ALDS against the Detroit Tigers, where Clase allegedly threw intentional balls to ensure his co-conspirators' bets cashed. Clase and teammate Luis Ortiz have been charged with wire fraud, money laundering, and other offenses, and face a potential lifetime ban from baseball.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing problem of game-fixing and corruption in professional sports, which can undermine the integrity of the game and erode public trust. It also raises concerns about the influence of illegal sports betting and the need for stronger regulations and oversight to protect the integrity of the game.

The details

According to the indictment, Clase and his co-conspirators allegedly communicated in code via text message to coordinate the pitch-rigging scheme. Prosecutors claim they have identified 15 instances from 2023 to 2025 where Clase intentionally threw pitches to help bettors win their prop bets, as well as three occasions where he planned to do so but never entered the game. Clase's co-conspirators are alleged to have won at least $450,000 through the scheme, with Clase and Ortiz receiving kickbacks. Both players have pleaded not guilty and face decades in prison if convicted.

  • In Game 1 of the 2024 ALDS, Clase allegedly rigged a pitch to help his co-conspirators' prop bets.
  • The alleged pitch-rigging scheme took place from 2023 to 2025.

The players

Emmanuel Clase

A Cleveland Guardians pitcher who is accused of rigging pitches to help his co-conspirators win prop bets from 2023 to 2025.

Luis Ortiz

A Cleveland Guardians pitcher who is also accused of similar actions during the 2025 season.

Robinson Vasquez Germosen

A third man who has been charged for allegedly working as the middleman for Clase in the pitch-rigging scheme.

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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

Clase and Ortiz are scheduled to face trial in May and face decades in prison if found guilty. Even if they avoid a significant prison sentence, they also face a potential lifetime ban from baseball, pending the league's investigation into the allegations.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing threat of game-fixing and corruption in professional sports, and the need for stronger regulations, oversight, and enforcement to protect the integrity of the game. It also raises questions about the influence of illegal sports betting and the measures needed to prevent such schemes from occurring in the future.