Guardians Pitchers Charged in Pitch-Rigging Scandal, Facing Lifetime Bans

On November 11, 2025, former Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz were indicted on charges related to a gambling scheme that has rocked the sports world. According to the indictment, the two players allegedly rigged individual pitches to benefit unnamed bettors, receiving kickbacks in return.

The scheme is said to have started as early as May 2023, with Clase and the bettors targeting specific proposition bets on pitch outcomes, such as whether a pitch would be a ball or strike, or faster or slower than a preset velocity. In total, the bettors are alleged to have won over $400,000 from the manipulated pitches.

In response, Major League Baseball has announced new restrictions on micro-betting, including a $200 nationwide limit on wagers on individual pitches and a ban on including such bets in parlays. The league is also continuing its investigation into the matter, with Clase and Ortiz currently on non-disciplinary paid administrative leave.

The indictment is the latest in a string of betting scandals to rock the sports world, and it serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance in protecting the integrity of the game. As the investigation unfolds, the future of Clase and Ortiz's careers hangs in the balance, with the possibility of lifetime bans looming large.