Guardians pitchers face fraud charges

Opening statements concluded in Brooklyn on Wednesday as a federal jury heard the government's case against Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rebecca Urquiola characterized the two men as cheaters who sold their pitches to generate profits for sports bettors.

The prosecution argues that Clase initiated the scheme in early 2023. He befriended a gambler named Enoc Pena in the Dominican Republic, where they bonded over dominoes and cockfighting. Urquiola stated that Clase eventually agreed to disclose which pitches he would throw in specific games. This information allowed gamblers to wager on ball or strike outcomes, resulting in at least $460,000 in profits on relevant platforms.

Urquiola noted that Clase later sought kickbacks because he felt the profits for his friends were insufficient. She indicated that text messages using code words like chicken or rooster, combined with testimony from gamblers, would substantiate the government's claims. The pitcher recruited Ortiz into the arrangement in 2025.

Defense attorneys presented a contrasting narrative. Michael Bronson, representing Clase, described Pena as a 41-year-old man with a history of lying who viewed the 25-year-old pitcher as a mark. Bronson argued that Pena falsely told other gamblers he had inside information while actually guessing outcomes. He noted that Pena and his associates lost more than 200 bets on Clase's pitches during the period in question.

Samuel Landes, the attorney for Ortiz, stated that the starter had no direct contact with gamblers. Only two pitches, both balls, are central to the trial against Ortiz. Landes argued that Ortiz was victimized by Pena's lies, which included a claim that the pitcher accepted $5,000 for tips. Landes asked the jury why Ortiz would risk a career and future contracts worth millions for such a small amount.

Clase, 28, is a three-time All-Star who had completed the fourth year of a five-year, $20 million contract when charges were filed in November 2025. Ortiz, 27, earned $782,600 during the 2025 season and had received $1.7 million in advance payments. Both pitchers pleaded not guilty to conspiracy charges and are currently on non-disciplinary leave without pay.

Pena, who made over 7,000 bets between 2023 and 2025, reached a deal with prosecutors to avoid prison and remain in the United States. Although he was previously listed as a potential witness, prosecutors confirmed last week that they do not intend to call him to the stand.