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State of Play’s TL;DR
- Federal prosecutors say they will focus on 18 pitches by Emmanuel Clase in the alleged MLB micro-betting case set for trial in November.
- They say they will present just two pitches by Luis Ortiz.
Federal prosecutors say their case against Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz will focus on 18 pitches by Clase and two pitches by Ortiz when the alleged MLB micro-betting conspiracy goes to trial in November.
Prosecutors had previously alleged Clase threw suspicious pitches in at least 48 games. According to a government memo, the trial evidence will instead center on 17 contests as prosecutors pursue charges that include money laundering, wire fraud, and conspiracy.
Government narrows the pitch-rigging case
The case was unsealed last November and also includes a third unidentified defendant. Prosecutors allege the defendants were involved in a scheme tied to rigged pitches that could be exploited in micro-betting markets.
A memo from the government said prosecutors also plan to present evidence about how the alleged scheme was hidden. US Attorney Joseph Nocella said that includes “intermediary financial conduits, straw bettors, and code words to communicate rigged pitches.”
Among the messages cited by prosecutors is an alleged exchange in coded language. An unidentified middleman allegedly texted: “Throw a rock at the first rooster in today’s fight.” Prosecutors say Clase responded: “Yes, of course, that’s an easy toss to that rooster.”
Clase, 28, has been on non-disciplinary leave from the Cleveland Guardians since July 2025.
Trial is set to begin with jury selection on Nov. 2
Jury selection is scheduled to begin on Nov. 2. If convicted on all charges, Clase and Ortiz each face up to 65 years in prison, though federal sentencing guidelines indicate an estimated range of 87 to 104 months for each defendant.
The pitches prosecutors highlighted in court filings span from May 19, 2023, to May 28, 2025. Prosecutors cited an alleged communication with a co-conspirator on May 18, 2025, before a game against the Cincinnati Reds.
One open question ahead of trial is whether the court will grant the government’s request to block certain defense evidence. Another is the outcome of a sealed defense letter filed on Sept. 22.
Based on reporting by Matt Rybaltowski for iGB.
