Cleveland Guardians players Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz have been indicted over an alleged scheme to rig pitches during Major League Baseball games, prosecutors announced. The case marks the latest development in a growing betting crisis in US sports.
Prosecutors allege that Ortiz was paid $5,000 for throwing an intentional ball during a game on 15 June. Clase, a three-time All-Star, is accused of receiving $5,000 for facilitating the rigged pitch, alongside gamblers in the Dominican Republic. The pair are also alleged to have repeated the scheme on 27 June, receiving $7,000 each.
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 in salary last season, while Clase was paid $4.5m. Both 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 news follows other recent scandals involving NBA players Chauncey Billups and Terry Rozier.
