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Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz called ‘cheaters’ as gambling case opening statements begin in court
Opening statements have begun in Brooklyn in the case against Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz, who are accused of sharing pitch information with bettors and manipulating pitches to benefit gambling. Both deny the conspiracy charges and are on unpaid, non-disciplinary leave from the club while the prosecution proceeds.
Prosecutors say Clase agreed to disclose pitches and that bettors made at least $460,000 from related wagers; Ortiz allegedly joined in June 2025. The defence says a gambler, Enoc Pena, falsely claimed to have inside information, sold guesses and lost more than 200 bets on Clase’s pitches. Clase was arrested in November 2025 and has been free on bail; the indictment also alleges he coordinated a pitch with a bettor by phone during a game.
In short
- Clase and Ortiz deny allegations of helping bettors profit from pitches.
- Prosecutors say bettors made at least $460,000 on related wagers.
- The defence says a gambler was selling guesses, not inside information.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The prosecution’s case, if supported by the evidence, would show a deliberate breach of the integrity on which fair competition and public trust in sport depend. Its account of shared pitch information, coordinated conduct and substantial betting gains gives the jury grounds to examine whether the pitchers knowingly helped bettors profit.
The case against
The defence argues that the allegations rely on a gambler who falsely claimed insider access, sold guesses and lost heavily, which could undermine the credibility of the prosecution’s account. The pitchers deny the charges, and the evidence must establish their knowing participation beyond reasonable doubt rather than treat suspicious betting or association as proof of guilt.