You thought it stopped at the NBA… HA!

🚨 Cleveland Guardians pitchers Luis Ortiz and Emmanuel Clase have been federally indicted on charges of fraud, conspiracy, and bribery for allegedly rigging specific pitches to manipulate bets, allowing gamblers to win hundreds of thousands of dollars.

The scandal began in July 2025 when a betting-integrity firm (IC360) flagged unusual wagering on two intentional wild pitches by Ortiz—sliders far outside the zone on June 15 (vs. Mariners) and June 27 (vs. Cardinals)—both first pitches of innings bet heavily as balls or hit-by-pitch from accounts in OH, NY, and NJ.

Ortiz was placed on paid leave July 3, with Clase joining later; leaves extended through season. Indictment alleges Ortiz received $5,000–$7,000 bribes per rigged pitch, with Clase acting as intermediary; both face up to 20+ years in prison and potential MLB lifetime bans. Ortiz arrested in Boston; investigation ongoing with MLB cooperation.