Two Cleveland Guardians pitchers charged with accepting thousands of dollars in bribes to manipulate games for sports bettors will face trial in the spring of 2026, according to The Associated Press.
Key Takeaways
- Jury selection will begin May 4, with the trial expected to begin one-to-two weeks after.
- Clase and Ortiz declined to comment after the brief Tuesday hearing.
- Both men will return to federal court Jan. 15.
Emmanuel Clase, who allegedly orchestrated the Major League Baseball betting scheme, and teammate Luis Ortiz appeared in a federal court Tuesday in New York, where U.S. District Court Judge Kiyo Matsumoto said during the short hearing that jury selection will tentatively begin May 4. The judge proposed a February trial, but both sides requested a later start.
The May trial is expected to start a week or two after jury selection, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Sherman said the trial will last about two weeks. No potential plea deal has been discussed yet, but federal prosecutors have had talks with and recently delivered discovery documents to the defense attorneys.
Clase and Ortiz were also ordered to return to federal court Jan. 15, 2026. Both defendants and their attorneys declined comment outside the courtroom, according to the AP.
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Ties to bettors
Clase and Ortiz were arrested last month on charges that include wire fraud conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy, and conspiracy to influence sporting events by bribery. Both men pleaded not guilty. Clase was released on a $600,000 bond, while Ortiz was released on a $500,000 bond. Both were also given travel restrictions.
Federal prosecutors claim Clase and Ortiz provided information to two bettors in the Dominican Republic. The individuals won $460,000 betting on the speed and outcome of the two Guardians arms' pitches.
Clase allegedly began helping the bettors in 2023 and recruited Ortiz to manipulate pitches in June. Both men are accused of supplying the bettors with money to wager and accepting kickbacks in return.
Under investigation
Ortiz’s lawyer claims the Guardians star made legal transactions to the individuals in the Dominican Republic, not for payoffs.
Oritz was first placed on non-disciplinary paid leave over the summer after two of his pitches during a June game were flagged for unusual betting activity by an integrity firm. Clase, Cleveland’s all-time saves leader and three-time All-Star closer, joined Ortiz on non-disciplinary paid leave after the Ohio Casino Control Commission launched an investigation.
The day after the two Cleveland pitchers were indicted on federal charges, MLB announced a collaboration with U.S. sportsbooks to limit pitch-level market wagers to $200.
