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Federal Prosecutors Charge Guardians Pitchers in Alleged Pitch-Fixing Betting Scheme

Prosecutors cite texts and bank records documenting payments with overseas intermediaries.

Overview

  • Luis Ortiz was arrested by the FBI at Boston Logan International Airport and is expected to appear in federal court in Boston on Monday.
  • Emmanuel Clase is not currently in custody, and both pitchers have been on paid administrative leave since July as MLB continues to cooperate with authorities.
  • The Brooklyn indictment alleges a scheme that began in May 2023 in which pitches were intentionally altered or thrown as balls so bettors could win wagers.
  • Investigators say communications and bank records show coordination with foreign go-betweens and payments disguised as personal transfers or performance bonuses.
  • Charges include conspiracies for wire and honest-services fraud, bribery to influence sporting contests, and money laundering, with key counts carrying potential prison terms of up to 20 years if convicted.