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Senate Launches MLB Probe Into Alleged Pitch-Rigging, Sets Dec. 5 Deadline

A bipartisan letter seeks records to 2020 on MLB betting oversight following federal charges against two Cleveland pitchers.

Overview

  • Senate Commerce Committee leaders Ted Cruz and Maria Cantwell formally asked Commissioner Rob Manfred for documents and answers on Nov. 17.
  • The request covers materials from Jan. 1, 2020 to the present and asks for investigations, policies, sportsbook communications, and plans on enforcement and in-game cellphone rules.
  • An Eastern District of New York indictment alleges Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz manipulated pitches to benefit prop bets, with at least $400,000 tied to Clase’s scheme and about $60,000 tied to Ortiz.
  • Clase and Ortiz were arrested, pleaded not guilty in New York federal court, and are scheduled to return to court on Dec. 2.
  • Lawmakers point to recent NBA gambling cases to argue a broader vulnerability and question how MLB missed alleged multi-year manipulation after previously flagging betting that led to Tucupita Marcano’s lifetime ban.