Two Cleveland Guardians pitchers, **Emmanuel Clase de la Cruz** and **Luis Leandro Ortiz Ribera**, have been charged in a federal case accusing them of accepting bribes to rig pitches during Major League Baseball games. Prosecutors and the FBI allege the two were involved in a sports betting and money laundering scheme that generated hundreds of thousands of dollars in illegal wagers.

According to the indictment, Clase allegedly joined the scheme in **May 2023**, and Ortiz in **June 2025**. Investigators claim the players coordinated with co-conspirators to provide inside information and intentionally manipulate specific pitches. In one example, before a **June 27, 2025** game, Ortiz was allegedly paid **$7,000** to throw a rigged pitch, while Clase received the same amount for helping arrange it. Prosecutors also say Clase withdrew **$50,000 in cash** and gave **$15,000** to a co-conspirator who used it to place bets.

Authorities allege Ortiz’s actions earned co-conspirators about **$60,000**, while Clase’s involvement led to at least **$400,000** in winnings. Both players are accused of defrauding MLB, the Guardians, and online sportsbooks. “When corruption infiltrates the sport, it dishonors the game and erodes public trust,” U.S. Attorney **Joseph Nocella Jr.** said in a statement.

Ortiz was arrested in **Boston** on Sunday, while Clase remains outside U.S. custody. Both had previously been placed on paid leave during an MLB gambling investigation. They now face multiple charges, including **wire fraud conspiracy**, **honest services fraud**, **bribery conspiracy**, and **money laundering conspiracy**.

The Guardians said they are fully cooperating with investigators. Ortiz’s lawyer, **Chris Georgalis**, maintains his client’s innocence, saying he “has never, and would never, improperly influence a game.” Clase’s representative also insists the pitcher does not gamble.

The charges come shortly after the FBI announced several arrests in similar sports betting and laundering cases involving professional athletes and organized crime figures.

#MLB #MajorLeagueBaseball #ClevelandGuardians #LuisOrtiz #GamblingProbe #SportsBetting #Indicted #Guilty #pitching

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