Cleveland Guardians pitcher Emmanuel Clase has been charged with involvement in an illegal gambling scheme that allegedly includes rigging pitches during playoff games in 2024. Court documents reveal that the suspected rigging extended to the postseason, where coded language was reportedly used to disguise the plan.
Details of Alleged Scheme and Use of Code Words in Postseason Games
According to reporting by Mike Vorkunov and Zack Meisel of The Athletic, federal prosecutors have presented evidence suggesting Clase attempted to manipulate pitches during the 2024 playoffs to benefit gamblers. Text messages featured in a recent indictment show Clase and others used terms like “rooster” and “chicken” as code words to mask their intentions.
One pivotal game took place on October 5, 2024, during Game 1 of the American League Division Series (ALDS) between the Guardians and Detroit Tigers. It is alleged that Clase deliberately threw a low pitch to influence prop bets placed by bettors. A text message exchange displayed the coded language:
“Throw a rock at the first rooster in today’s fight,”
one message instructed.
Clase replied,
“Yes, of course, that’s an easy toss to that rooster,”
and confirmed he would throw it low.
Tracking of Clase’s pitches from that game by Talkin’ Baseball on X (formerly Twitter) identified the first pitch as corresponding to the suspicious low throw mentioned in the texts.
Every Emmanuel Clase pitch from Game 1 of the 2024 ALDS against Detroit, where he is alleged to have thrown a rigged pitch https://t.co/BAVvBpDdq8 pic.twitter.com/BAVvBpDdq8
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) February 13, 2026
Defense Statement: Lawyer Asserts Clase’s Innocence Amid Charges
While investigations and discussions around Clase’s role in the gambling allegations continue, his attorney Michael Ferrara firmly rejected the charges. Ferrara emphasized Clase’s innocence and criticized the evidence used by prosecutors to bring the indictment.
Emmanuel Clase is innocent and denies all allegations in the superseding indictment,
Ferrara said, as reported by The Athletic.
While we remain disappointed in the flawed views of the evidence and rush to judgment that led to these charges, we look forward to clearing his name at trial, where the full facts and circumstances of the case will be revealed.
The legal proceedings will determine how the case unfolds and what penalties, if any, Emmanuel Clase may face in connection with the accusations of pitch rigging in the playoffs.
Every Emmanuel Clase pitch from Game 1 of the 2024 ALDS against Detroit, where he is alleged to have thrown a rigged pitch https://t.co/BAVvBpDdq8 pic.twitter.com/3l5FYW9LGS
— Talkin' Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) February 13, 2026
