Cleveland Guardians’ Luis Ortiz pitches in the first inning of a baseball game against the Minnesota Twins, in Cleveland, April 30, 2025.
Sue Ogrocki | AP Photo
Two pitchers from the Cleveland Guardians were indicted by federal prosecutors on charges related to a sports betting and money laundering conspiracy on Sunday, the latest scandal tied to gambling across professional sports.
According to the indictment, Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz took bribes as part of a scheme to rig bets on pitches thrown during Major League Baseball games. Prosecutors say the scheme started in May 2023 with Clase and then later included Ortiz.
The two players — who face federal charges of fraud, conspiracy and bribery — were placed on leave by MLB officials in July as the league conducted a gambling investigation.
This story is developing. Please check back for updates.
