Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred announced Wednesday that the league will cooperate fully with a U.S. Senate committee’s request for documents detailing a gambling investigation into the Cleveland Guardians’ star pitchers, Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz. The inquiry, led by the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, seeks information by December 5. Manfred emphasized the league’s commitment to transparency, stating that MLB will respond to the Senate’s six-question inquiry on time.
Clase and Ortiz, accused of allegedly aiding gamblers by rigging pitches, are currently in the legal process as they have pleaded not guilty to federal gambling charges. The Senate has intensified scrutiny, as officials are investigating the extent of the league’s involvement and whether additional players were implicated. The scandal, which has exposed the dangers of illegal betting in sports, has prompted MLB to implement new rules, including capping pitch-related bets at $200 and excluding them from parlays. Manfred claimed these measures are designed to reduce incentives for unethical behavior.
The investigation into Clase and Ortiz reportedly began after the U.S. Department of Justice unsealed indictments on November 9. Clase, a three-time All-Star, is accused of colluding with a co-conspirator to throw specific pitches in exchange for bribes, while Ortiz, who joined the scheme later, allegedly agreed to manipulate pitches in exchange for payments. The indictment details specific instances of alleged misconduct, including games against the New York Mets, Minnesota Twins, and Boston Red Sox. Ortiz’s alleged payouts, including $5,000 for a pitch against the Seattle Mariners, and $7,000 against the St. Louis Cardinals, have been highlighted in the legal proceedings.
Manfred stated that MLB’s internal investigation of the situation is ongoing without a specific timeline, emphasizing the need for a thorough review during the offseason. The league has faced mounting pressure to address the integrity of the sport, with calls for stronger safeguards against corruption. The scandal follows a similar case in the NBA, where several players and executives were arrested in an FBI operation involving illegal betting, underscoring a broader issue of organized crime in sports gambling.
As the Senate inquiry proceeds, the outcome could shape regulatory frameworks for future sports betting and influence MLB’s approach to player conduct. Meanwhile, Clase and Ortiz remain under scrutiny as they face potential legal consequences for their alleged roles in the scheme. The league’s response to the Senate’s demands may serve as a critical step in restoring public trust in the integrity of professional baseball.