Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred has vowed to cooperate fully with a U.S. Senate inquiry into a sprawling gambling scandal involving Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz, who have pleaded not guilty to federal gambling charges. The Senate, led by Committee Chair Ted Cruz and Ranking Member Maria Cantwell, requested immediate access to documents detailing MLB’s response to the investigation, which has been heightened by the arrests of two pitchers and the broader implications for the sport’s integrity. Clase, a three-time All-Star, and Ortiz are currently awaiting trial after being indicted for their alleged roles in a scheme to rig pitches for financial gain, with both men appearing in federal court in New York last week.
The scandal centers on Clase and Ortiz, two key members of the Guardians’ pitching staff, who are accused of conspiring with gamblers to throw specific pitches in exchange for bribes. According to the indictment, Clase arranged to alter his pitching approach in several games from May 2023 to June 2025, including matches against the New York Mets, Minnesota Twins, and Boston Red Sox. Ortiz allegedly joined the scheme in June 2025, with the indictment citing instances where he agreed to throw certain pitches for cash payments. The scheme reportedly generated over $400,000 in illicit gambling profits from Clase’s actions and $60,000 from Ortiz’s involvement. MLB has since implemented stricter betting rules, placing a cap of $200 on individual pitch wagers and excluding them from parlays, a step Manfred called a significant deterrent to future misconduct.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s recent operation into illegal gambling has also implicated other athletes, including NBA players Chauncey Billups, Terry Rozier, and Damon Jones. Their arrests highlight a broader pattern of corruption in sports betting, which has drawn increased regulatory attention. Meanwhile, MLB’s internal investigation into Clase and Ortiz is ongoing, with Manfred emphasizing the need for a thorough inquiry during the offseason to ensure accountability. Both players were placed on paid leave by the league, and their defense teams are preparing for trial, with no plea deals or guilty pleas forthcoming. The scandal has sparked heated debate over the integrity of professional sports and the need for stricter oversight to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The senators’ request for information includes questions about MLB’s response to the gambling allegations, financial disclosures, and potential legal actions. Manfred has stated that the league’s cooperation with the Senate is not only a matter of due process but also a commitment to safeguarding the sport’s credibility. As the trial dates for Clase and Ortiz approach, the focus remains on whether the league can restore public trust in its integrity and prevent further breaches in the future. The broader implications for MLB include potential long-term financial and reputational damage, underscoring the gravity of the situation for the league and its stakeholders.