Clase and Ortiz, formally accused of betting rigging in MLB
The Cleveland Guardians pitchers, Emmanuel Class and Luis Ortiz, were indicted by Brooklyn prosecutors on several counts related to a scheme to fix bets on pitches in MLB games. Ortiz was arrested in Boston on Sunday morning. Class is not in custody. The 23-page indictment filed against Clase and Ortiz in the Eastern District of New York details the alleged scheme by which pitchers intentionally threw balls so that bettors could bet on whether the pitches would be balls or strikes. According to the prosecution, the plan began in May 2023, with Clase, and later included Ortiz. The pitchers face charges of fraud, conspiracy and bribery. In a statement to AM850Major League Baseball (MLB) stated: “MLB contacted federal authorities at the beginning of the investigation and has cooperated fully throughout the process. We are aware of the indictment and today’s arrest, and our investigation continues.” Prosecutors allege that Ortiz received $5,000 for intentionally throwing a ball on June 15 and Clase another $5,000 for facilitating the action. According to the indictment, they repeated the act on June 27, each receiving $7,000 for that pitch. Clase and Ortiz could face up to 65 years in prison if convicted on all charges.Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz were formally accused by the prosecution and face charges of fraud, conspiracy and bribery
