The Cleveland Guardians have officially begun their spring training, but a cloud looms over two of their pitchers as Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz face legal turmoil related to an alleged pitch rigging scandal. Both players have been indicted on charges involving manipulating game outcomes, casting uncertainty on their roles as the team prepares for the coming season.
Recent developments suggest tension between Clase and Ortiz, who were initially considered co-conspirators in the scheme. Ortiz’s legal team has requested that his case be separated from Clase’s, aiming to portray Ortiz as a victim rather than an accomplice. According to court documents filed by Ortiz’s attorney Christos N. Georgalis, Clase provided bettors with details of Ortiz’s pitching strategy without Ortiz’s knowledge.
The indictment maintains Ortiz is charged with rigging two specific pitches, while the allegations against Clase have grown, with an increasing number of pitches under scrutiny. Clase’s situation appears especially dire, considering prior reprimands for unauthorized phone use and the substantial evidence gathered by federal investigators, which includes over 60,000 audio messages, 19,000 PDFs, 8,000 videos, and 8,000 photos exchanged between Clase and a bettor.
The legal proceedings are scheduled to begin with a trial on May 4. Ortiz is seeking additional time for his defense, while Clase favors a swift resolution. Both players have entered pleas of not guilty. A judge has permitted Clase to travel to Arizona to consult with his agent Kevin Nova and to participate in training sessions with professional trainers; however, both pitchers remain barred from accessing official Major League Baseball facilities.
The Guardians had hoped that the investigation and its fallout would be resolved before spring training commenced, but it now appears this controversy will extend into at least the start of the regular season, complicating the team’s preparation.
Expanded Access to Guardians Spring Training Games for Fans
The Guardians’ spring training schedule offers fans numerous opportunities to watch the team’s preseason games, thanks to expanded broadcasting options in the franchise’s second year under Major League Baseball’s broadcast umbrella. Ten games will be available for viewing on Guardians TV, providing a comprehensive look at the team’s development during this critical period.
The Guardians’ core broadcast team—including Matt Underwood, Rick Manning, and Andre Knott—will call the spring opener on February 21 against the Cincinnati Reds, as well as the season’s final spring game on March 22. The other eight games will feature simulcasts combining radio commentary by Tom Hamilton and Jim Rosenaus with Guardians TV coverage.
The following is the full schedule of spring training broadcasts on Guardians TV:
1. February 21: vs. Reds, 3:05 p.m. ET
2. February 28: vs. White Sox, 3:05 p.m. ET
3. March 1: vs. Rockies, 3:05 p.m. ET
4. March 3: vs. Dodgers, 3:05 p.m. ET
5. March 6: vs. Angels, 3:05 p.m. ET
6. March 7: vs. Padres, 3:05 p.m. ET
7. March 16: vs. Cubs, 9:05 p.m. ET
8. March 17: at Reds, 9:05 p.m. ET
9. March 20: vs. Mariners, 4:05 p.m. ET
10. March 22: vs. Reds, 3:05 p.m. ET
Subscriptions for Guardians TV are available for $99 at CleGuardians.TV, granting fans access to every televised spring training game.
Streaming subscriptions for the 2026 season are now available at https://t.co/TTXuJNTr6k!Join Matt, Rick, Andre, and the gang starting on February 21st!#GuardsBall pic.twitter.com/iCbYnAkt7q
This availability marks an important step in connecting Guardians supporters to the team throughout spring, encouraging engagement ahead of the regular season.
Guardians’ Rookie CJ Kayfus Clarifies Official Name Spelling for Upcoming Season
CJ Kayfus, a promising rookie for the Guardians, has settled the question around the spelling of his name, which was a minor topic among fans and team officials last year. Although previously indifferent about whether his initials included periods, the Guardians announced that moving forward, he will be officially known as CJ Kayfus without dots.
The Guardians announce that C.J. Kayfus is now CJ Kayfus. No dot about it.
This adjustment means broadcasters, scorekeepers, and fans will update scorebooks and media references to reflect the new format heading into the 2026 season.
Streaming subscriptions for the 2026 season are now available at https://t.co/TTXuJNTr6k!
Join Matt, Rick, Andre, and the gang starting on February 21st!#GuardsBall pic.twitter.com/iCbYnAkt7q
— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) February 10, 2026
The Guardians announce that C.J. Kayfus is now CJ Kayfus.
No dot about it.
— Anthony Castrovince (@castrovince) February 10, 2026
