Home / Crime and Justice / Pitcher Trial Delayed: Rigging Scheme Trial Pushed to November
Pitcher Trial Delayed: Rigging Scheme Trial Pushed to November
7 Mar
Summary
- Pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz face charges of fraud and bribery.
- The trial for the alleged pitch-rigging scheme has been postponed to November.
- Conflicting defenses may lead to separate trials for the accused pitchers.
The federal trial for Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz, accused of participating in a pitch-rigging scheme, has been postponed to November 2, 2026, by Judge Kiyo A. Matsumoto. The original trial date was in May 2026.
Clase and Ortiz have pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including wire fraud conspiracy and conspiracy to influence sporting contests by bribery. The alleged scheme involved predetermining the results of prop bets, with gamblers reportedly winning at least $450,000, and the pitchers receiving bribes. Prosecutors argue that "finger-pointing is not a basis for severance," but defense attorneys contend that separate trials are necessary to ensure fair proceedings.
