Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz have been indicted in relation to a scheme in which they allegedly rigged their pitches during games to benefit sports betters.
Ortiz was arrested Sunday in Boston, whereas Clase has not yet been taken into custody, ESPN reported.
Prosecutors in Brooklyn, New York, say the pitchers would intentionally throw balls so bettors could wager on pitches to be balls or strikes. The scheme began in May 2023 with Clase, and later included Ortiz, according to the report.
The pitchers were indicted on charges including fraud, conspiracy and bribery, according to a 23-page indictment filed in the Eastern District of New York.
“MLB contacted federal law enforcement at the outset of its investigation and has fully cooperated throughout the process. We are ware of the indictment and today’s arrest and our investigation is ongoing,” Major League Baseball said in a statement.
Prosecutors say Ortiz was paid $5,000 for throwing an intentional ball on June 15 and Clase was given $5,000 for facilitating the play.
The two pitchers did it again on June 27 and were each paid $7,000, according to the indictment.
Clase and Ortiz each face up to 65 years in prison if convicted on all charges.
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