Prosecutors identify 18 alleged rigged pitches for Clase trial
ESPN • • sports
Key Points:
- Federal prosecutors have identified 18 specific pitches, including one from a 2024 playoff game, as key evidence in their gambling case against Cleveland Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase, with trial scheduled for November.
- Clase is accused of sharing advance information about these pitches with bettors who placed wagers on the outcome and velocity, spanning 17 games from May 19, 2023, to May 28, 2025.
- Guardians starter Luis Ortiz is also implicated for allegedly providing advance pitch information to bettors, though specific pitches were not detailed in the filings.
- Clase, Ortiz, and two others face charges of wire fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy, all of whom have pleaded not guilty.
- Prosecutors have narrowed their focus from an initial list of suspect pitches in at least 48 games to 18 pitches for Clase and two for Ortiz to present at trial.
