Two former Cleveland Guardians pitchers, Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz, are currently facing legal proceedings in the U.S. They have been accused of involvement in a betting scandal that allegedly provided gamblers with advance information about pitches. In a Brooklyn federal court, the two appeared unable to interact without prompting from their attorneys. According to the New York Post, Clase, wearing a gray suit, and Ortiz, in black, shook hands only after intervention by their lawyers.
Both Clase and Ortiz have pleaded not guilty to charges that include wire fraud conspiracy and conspiracy to influence sporting contests by bribery. They were released on bail and are scheduled to return to court on January 15, with their trial set to begin on May 4, starting with jury selection. Outside the courtroom, both have remained largely silent. NBC News reports that Sean Sherman, an Assistant U.S. Attorney, has estimated the trial could last approximately two weeks, and no public information about plea deal discussions has been released.
The allegations state that the two players accepted thousands of dollars in bribes from gamblers in the Dominican Republic, which allegedly allowed for at least $460,000 in winnings based on advance information about pitches. Both Clase and Ortiz have been on nondisciplinary paid leave since Major League Baseball began investigating the betting activity in July, amid reports of unusually high betting on games when they pitched.
Clase, a three-time All-Star, and Ortiz, a starting pitcher, could face significant consequences if the allegations are proven. Ortiz’s legal team maintains that any payments he received were for legitimate purposes, as reported by NBC News. Clase has been recognized twice as the American League Reliever of the Year and currently holds a $20 million contract. The Cleveland Guardians organization is preparing for the upcoming season, with spring training beginning in February and their home opener scheduled for April 3, while the legal proceedings continue.
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