Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred has committed to cooperating fully with a U.S. Senate committee investigating a gambling scandal that has rocked the sport, particularly involving Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz. Both players have been charged with federal gambling offenses, alleging they conspired to rig pitches for gamblers. Manfred expressed willingness to comply with the Senate’s request for documents detailing the investigation, emphasizing the league’s commitment to transparency. The Senate’s Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee sent a formal letter to MLB on Monday, requesting information by December 5, prompting Manfred to assure that the league would respond promptly and thoroughly.
Clase and Ortiz, both members of the Cleveland Guardians, have been central figures in the scandal, with federal prosecutors alleging they engaged in a scheme to throw specific pitches in MLB games to enable illegal wagers. Ortiz, who was placed on paid leave on July 3, and Clase, on leave July 28, are now facing the legal consequences of their actions. The league has already taken steps to mitigate the issue, such as capping bets on individual pitches at $200 and excluding them from parlays, which Manfred described as significant measures to reduce the financial incentives for such activities. This marks a substantial shift in how the league manages betting opportunities for fans, aiming to prevent future collusion between players and gamblers.
The charges against Clase and Ortiz detail their alleged collaboration with bettors, including instances where they coordinated pitch strategies during games using their phones. One notable example includes a May 19, 2023, game against the New York Mets, where Clase allegedly agreed to throw a ball on the first pitch of an at-bat in exchange for bribes. The indictment outlines instances where they facilitated betting platforms’ earnings, with Clase reportedly winning over $400,000 from illegal wagers between 2023 and 2025. Ortiz, who joined the scheme later, is said to have received $5,000 for throwing a ball on the first pitch against the Seattle Mariners and $7,000 for a pitch in a June 27 game against the St. Louis Cardinals. Betters are alleged to have made at least $60,000 on pitches thrown by Ortiz.
The scandal has taken place against the backdrop of similar investigations in other sports leagues, such as the NBA, where Chauncey Billups, Terry Rozier, and Damon Jones were among the athletes arrested in an FBI operation related to an illegal gambling scheme. These events have raised concerns across the sports industry about the broader implications for integrity and oversight. Manfred’s announcement underscores the league’s acknowledgment of the severity of the situation, as well as its determination to address the matter with thoroughness during the offseason. As MLB continues its internal investigation, the focus remains on ensuring accountability and preventing future incidents that could erode public trust in the sport.