Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz have been indicted over an alleged scheme to rig pitches during games, deepening the betting crisis in US sports. The indictment, announced on Sunday, accuses the duo of accepting payments to intentionally throw balls.
Prosecutors allege that Ortiz was paid $5,000 for throwing an intentional ball during a game on 15 June, with Clase receiving the same amount for facilitating the rigged pitch. The pair are also accused of repeating the scheme on 27 June, each receiving $7,000. The alleged bribes came from gamblers in the Dominican Republic, the players' home country.
ESPN reported that Ortiz was arrested in Boston on Sunday, while Clase has not yet been taken into custody. Major League Baseball said in a statement: “MLB contacted federal law enforcement at the outset of its investigation and has fully cooperated throughout the process. We are aware of the indictment and today’s arrest, and our investigation is ongoing.”
If found guilty, the pair face up to 65 years in prison on charges including fraud, conspiracy and bribery. Ortiz earned $782,600 last season, while Clase, a three-time All-Star, earned $4.5 million. They have been on paid leave since July while MLB investigated unusual betting activity.
The Guardians said: “We are aware of the recent law enforcement action. We will continue to fully cooperate with both law enforcement and Major League Baseball as their investigations continue.” The case follows other recent scandals, including the arrest of NBA Hall of Famer Chauncey Billups and allegations against Miami Heat star Terry Rozier.
