Lawyers Say Clase and Ortiz Were Exploited in Pitch-Rigging Trial

Defense attorneys for Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz argued Wednesday that their clients were exploited by a gambling addict who turned the athletes into unwitting pawns. The federal trial in Brooklyn, which opened with prosecutors labeling the players “cheaters,” centers on allegations that the duo rigged specific pitches to influence prop bets.

Accusations of Pitch Rigging and Honest Services Fraud

Prosecutors allege that Clase, a 28-year-old three-time All-Star and former star closer, and 27-year-old starter Ortiz participated in a conspiracy to manipulate the outcomes of in-game prop bets. According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Rebecca Urquiola, the pitchers sold their pitches, intentionally throwing balls or tipping off bettors about off-speed deliveries to help gamblers profit. The government contends that the scheme, which allegedly involved coded messages using terms like “chicken” and “rooster,” enabled participants to win at least $460,000 between 2023 and 2025. In one instance, the indictment alleges that Clase used his phone during a game to coordinate with a bettor on a pitch he would throw.

Clase, who had completed the fourth season of a $20 million, five-year contract when charges were made public in November 2025, is accused of rigging at least 18 pitches across 17 games between May 2023 and May 2025. Ortiz, who earned $782,600 as a starting pitcher during the 2025 season, allegedly joined the plot in June 2025 and is accused of manipulating two pitches, both of which were balls thrown into the dirt.

Defense Arguments Regarding Enoc Pena

Attorneys for the pitchers placed the blame squarely on Enoc Pena, a 41-year-old gambler they described as a serial liar who manipulated the players for his own gain. Michael Bronson, representing Clase, told jurors that Pena didn't see a peer, a friend. He saw a mark. According to the defense, Pena and his associates actually lost over 200 bets on Clase’s pitches.

Attorney Samuel Landes, representing Ortiz, similarly argued that his client was a victim of Pena’s fabrications. Why would Luis Ortiz throw all that away for $5,000? He would not, Landes told the jury. Defense counsel further maintained that the pitchers were engaged in standard baseball strategy, pointing to scouting reports to suggest that pitch placement was based on game situations rather than gambling interests. Defense attorney Scott Powers, a former assistant GM with the Astros, argued that there are legitimate baseball reasons for a pitcher to aim outside the strike zone.

Judge Excludes Evidence in Baseball Corruption Trial

The proceedings before U.S. District Judge Kiyo Matsumoto are expected to span several weeks, with testimony anticipated from various professional baseball figures, including Guardians general manager Mike Chernoff, pitching coach Carl Willis, and catchers Austin Hedges, Mike Zunino, and Bo Naylor. Major League Baseball executive Paul Mifsud appeared as an initial witness, testifying that any communication between a player and a gambler regarding pitch selection would violate the loyalty clauses inherent in all MLB player contracts.

The judge excluded the evidence because the government failed to provide the documents to defense lawyers before the established deadline.

Status of the Players and League Context

Both Clase and Ortiz have entered pleas of not guilty. Following their arrests in November 2025, the pitchers were placed on non-disciplinary leave from the Guardians without pay and have remained free on bail. The trial unfolds amid a broader controversy regarding gambling in professional sports, which has included federal cases involving major league baseball players Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz. Major League Baseball has stated that it cooperated fully with authorities after detecting unusual betting activity. In response to the scandal, the league implemented a $200 cap on micro-betting for pitch-level markets and excluded such prop bets from parlays.