Overview
- Prosecutors in the Eastern District of New York charged both players with wire fraud conspiracy, honest services wire fraud conspiracy, conspiracy to influence sporting contests by bribery, and money laundering conspiracy.
- The indictment alleges the pitchers provided advance information and intentionally threw balls to enable co‑conspirators to profit from prop bets on balls and strikes.
- Clase’s alleged involvement dates to May 2023, with Ortiz joining in June 2025, including two charged incidents on June 15 and June 27 with $5,000 and $7,000 payments to each, respectively.
- Before the June 27 game, Clase allegedly withdrew $50,000 in cash and provided $15,000 to a co‑conspirator used to wager on the rigged pitch; bettors allegedly won at least about $400,000 from Clase’s activity and about $60,000 from Ortiz’s.
- Each defendant faces a potential maximum of 65 years in prison if convicted on all counts; MLB and the Cleveland Guardians say they are cooperating, and Ortiz is expected to appear in federal court in Boston on Monday.