Pitch-Rigging Scheme Allegedly Involves Cleveland Guardians Pitchers
BROOKLYN, NY – Two current pitchers for the Cleveland Guardians, Emmanuel Clase and Luis Leandro Ortiz Ribera, have been indicted on federal charges related to a scheme to rig MLB pitches for illegal gambling profits, according to an declaration made by the FBI and the Department of Justice. The indictment, filed in the Eastern District of New York (E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 25-CR-346 (KAM)), alleges a conspiracy to commit wire fraud, honest services wire fraud, bribery, and money laundering.
FBI Assistant Director in Charge Raia stated the alleged actions “not only established an unfair advantage for select bettors, but also sullied the reputation of America’s pastime,” and affirmed the FBI’s commitment to prosecuting those who exploit professional positions for personal gain.
The indictment details how Clase, 27, a relief pitcher, allegedly began collaborating with corrupt sports bettors in May 2023 to manipulate proposition bets – commonly known as “prop” bets – on his pitches.Bettors wagered on the speed and type of pitches Clase threw, leveraging advance knowledge obtained through coordination with the pitcher, sometimes even during games. To influence the outcome of bets, Clase reportedly threw pitches intentionally outside the strike zone, frequently enough in the dirt, to ensure they were called as balls. This inside data allowed the bettors to win at least $400,000 in fraudulent wagers. Clase allegedly received both bribes and kickbacks, and at times provided funds to bettors to finance the scheme.
Ortiz, 26, a starting pitcher, allegedly joined the conspiracy in June 2025. The indictment alleges that Ortiz, in conjunction with Clase, agreed to throw balls instead of strikes on specific pitches in two games in exchange for bribes. On june 15, 2025, Ortiz allegedly agreed to throw a ball on a designated pitch for a $5,000 bribe, with Clase receiving a $5,000 arrangement fee. A similar agreement was made for a pitch on June 27,2025,with Ortiz receiving a $7,000 bribe and Clase a $7,000 arrangement fee. Prior to the June 27th game, Clase allegedly withdrew $50,000 in cash, providing $15,000 to a co-conspirator for wagers on Ortiz’s rigged pitch. Ortiz’s actions allegedly resulted in at least $60,000 in fraudulent winnings for the bettors.
Both defendants, originally from the Dominican Republic, face significant penalties if convicted. Each could face a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment on the wire fraud conspiracy and honest services wire fraud counts, five years for conspiracy to influence sporting contests by bribery, and another 20 years for money laundering conspiracy.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys sean M. Sherman and Eric Silverberg of the Office’s Public Integrity Section,with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Daniel Arakawa.
It is important to note that the charges outlined in the indictment are allegations, and both defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
