BASEBALL: Emmanuel Clase's pitch-rigging more frequent than believed – report

New details have emerged suggesting Cleveland Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase may have participated in pitch-fixing far more extensively than previously reported, following a document filed by an attorney representing Guardians pitcher Luis Ortiz.

According to ESPN, Ortiz’s attorney submitted a document Thursday stating that Clase has been accused of throwing rigged pitches in 48 games over a 26-month period.

Clase was initially indicted in November on charges of fraud, conspiracy, and bribery, with federal prosecutors citing evidence from nine games starting in May 2023. Ortiz, meanwhile, was indicted on similar charges but allegedly began pitch-fixing in June 2025 and is accused of involvement in only two games.

The filing reportedly aimed to highlight the contrast between Clase’s actions and those of Ortiz. Clase is said to have handled all communications with bettors based in the Dominican Republic who benefited from the rigged pitches.

Major League Baseball placed Ortiz on non-disciplinary paid leave on July 3, with Clase joining him on July 28. Neither pitcher has appeared in a game since. Both pleaded not guilty to all charges in November and are scheduled to go to trial on May 4.

Clase, 27, had been considered one of MLB’s top closers. Over six seasons, primarily with Cleveland, the three-time All-Star recorded a 1.88 ERA with 182 saves in 366 appearances, averaging 8.7 strikeouts and 1.8 walks per nine innings.

Ortiz, also 27, was traded to Cleveland before the 2025 season after three years with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He has compiled a 16-22 record and a 4.05 ERA in 75 games, including 50 starts.

-Field Level Media/Reuters