Emmanuel Clase accused in pitch-rigging scheme; Ortiz points finger

Guardians All-Star reliever Emmanuel Clase is at the center of an alleged pitch-rigging scheme, with federal prosecutors unsealing a 23-page indictment. Clase is accused of rigging pitches since May 2023 by throwing balls to aid prop bets, with teammate Luis Ortiz allegedly joining in June 2025. Ortiz's lawyers are seeking to sever their cases, claiming Ortiz was "a victim of Clase’s scheme." Both pitchers allegedly received kickbacks from bettors who netted $460,000. Clase and Ortiz face multiple conspiracy charges and remain on leave from MLB, barred from Guardians spring training.