Pitch Perfect? MLB Players Accused of Rigging Games

In a shocking turn of events, two Major League Baseball (MLB) pitchers, Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz, have been accused of sharing inside information about their pitches with gamblers. This isn't just about cheating; it's about breaking the trust of fans and the integrity of the game. The scheme involved Clase and Ortiz telling gamblers what pitches they would throw in upcoming games. The gamblers then placed bets on the type, speed, and location of these pitches. This isn't just a few bad apples; it's a serious breach of trust that could shake the foundation of the sport. The indictment reveals that Clase and Ortiz received thousands of dollars in bribes for their actions. They were charged with wire fraud conspiracy, honest services wire fraud conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy, and conspiracy to influence sporting contests by bribery. This isn't just about the money; it's about the betrayal of the game and its fans. The scheme involved microbets, where gamblers wager on smaller events like a pitch's speed. These bets are often resolved quickly during the game, making it easier to manipulate the outcome. The indictment states that Clase started agreeing with bettors to throw certain pitches in May 2023. He would often throw a fraudulent pitch on the first pitch of his relief appearance, usually a ball, off-speed, and in the dirt. Ortiz joined the scheme during the 2025 season. Before a game against the Seattle Mariners, Ortiz agreed to throw a ball as his first pitch of the second inning in exchange for $5, 000, with another $5, 000 going to Clase. The bettors netted at least $450, 000 from betting on Clase's and Ortiz's pitches, with at least $400, 000 coming from Clase's throws. The two players were placed on paid leave in July after MLB began an investigation into suspicious wagering activity on individual pitches in their games. MLB has cooperated with federal authorities and is continuing its own investigation. The Guardians have also stated that they are aware of the indictment and will cooperate with law enforcement and MLB's investigation. This isn't the first time gambling has rocked the world of professional sports. Last month, federal prosecutors in Brooklyn brought charges against nearly three dozen defendants in two criminal cases involving gambling that featured current and former NBA players. The charges add to concerns about how the widespread legalization of sports betting has encouraged illicit activity that is affecting public trust in the games loved by millions of Americans.