Federal prosecutors in New York have charged former Cleveland Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase with manipulating pitches during a playoff game and communicating in coded language to conceal his actions. The indictment was unsealed on Friday, revealing efforts to help gamblers win prop bets by fixing specific pitches.
Expanded Allegations Reveal Multiple Rigged Pitches Over Several Seasons
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York asserts that Clase’s involvement was more extensive than first believed, alleging he fixed as many as 15 pitches between the 2023 and 2025 seasons. One such instance reportedly took place in the ninth inning of the Guardians’ 2024 American League Division Series opener versus the Detroit Tigers. Prosecutors also claim he planned to manipulate three additional pitches but did not enter those games.
Coded Messages Used to Coordinate Pitch Fixing Scheme
According to the indictment, Clase and his associates utilized coded terms like chicken and rooster in their text exchanges to disguise their intentions. The Athletic reported an example on May 18, 2025, when Clase received a message saying,
“Throw a rock at the first rooster in today’s fight.”
This cryptic phrasing, prosecutors argue, was meant to instruct Clase to throw a specific pitch for a ball, aiding gamblers who wagered on those outcomes.
Financial Gains and Charges Against Players Involved
Authorities allege that the gambling syndicate profited at least $450,000 from this scheme and shared some of the winnings with Clase and teammate Luis Ortiz. Both players face serious charges, including wire fraud conspiracy, honest services wire fraud conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy, and conspiracy to influence sporting contests by bribery. Ortiz is accused of fixing two pitches.
Suspension, Legal Proceedings, and Trial Details
Major League Baseball placed Clase and Ortiz on the restricted list and administrative leave in July 2025 before their arrests that November. Both players have pleaded not guilty. The trial for the charges will begin on May 4 in New York. Counsel for Ortiz has requested a delay and asked the judge to separate his case from Clase’s, seeking a trial on different dates.
Players’ Career Backgrounds and Team Affiliations
Clase, 27, who was acquired by Cleveland from the Texas Rangers in 2019, has a career 1.88 ERA with 182 saves in 366 games and was a three-time All-Star and 2024 AL Cy Young Award finalist. Ortiz, also 27, holds a 16-22 record and a 4.05 ERA in 75 games (50 starts) between the Pittsburgh Pirates and Cleveland Guardians.
Implications for Baseball Integrity and Upcoming Trial
This case raises significant concerns about the integrity of professional baseball and highlights the ongoing risk of gambling-related corruption within the sport. The trial of Clase and Ortiz will be closely watched, as its outcome could impact league policies and deter future illicit conduct. Fans and officials alike await further developments as the trial date approaches.
