Report: Emmanuel Clase's pitch-rigging more frequent than believed

Thanks to a document filed by an attorney representing Cleveland Guardians pitcher Luis Ortiz, there's new suspicion that Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase participated in pitch-fixing far more frequently than previously believed.

According to an ESPN report, 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.

When Clase was indicted for fraud, conspiracy and bribery in November, federal prosecutors cited nine games' worth of evidence against Clase beginning in May 2023.

Ortiz was indicted on similar charges, but he allegedly began pitch-fixing in June 2025 and only was accused of doing it in two games.

Reportedly, the rationale for Ortiz's attorney mentioning the 48 games is to draw a sharper contrast between Clase's behavior and that of his client. Clase also reportedly handled all correspondence with Dominican Republic-based bettors who benefited from the rigged pitches.

Ortiz was placed on non-disciplinary paid leave by Major League Baseball on July 3 and Clase joined him on July 28. Neither has pitched since, though both pleaded not guilty to all charges in November.

They are scheduled to go to trial May 4.

Clase, 27, generally was regarded as MLB's best closer. Over six seasons spent primarily in Cleveland, the three-time All-Star posted a 1.88 ERA with 182 saves in 366 appearances. He averaged 8.7 strikeouts and 1.8 walks per nine innings.

Ortiz, 27, who was traded to Cleveland prior to the 2025 season after spending three years with the Pittsburgh Pirates, has amassed a 16-22 record and a 4.05 ERA in 75 games (50 starts).

--Field Level Media