Two Cleveland Guardians pitchers facing federal charges for allegedly manipulating pitches to benefit sports bettors entered not guilty pleas during a Wednesday court appearance in Brooklyn federal court.
Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz entered their pleas through an interpreter before U.S. District Court Judge Kiyo A. Matsumoto, who indicated the trial will likely be delayed from its current spring schedule to October.
While the trial date officially remains set for May 4, Judge Matsumoto instructed both legal teams to negotiate a new timeline and present their recommendation by Monday’s end.
The updated federal indictment claims Clase communicated with accomplices using coded language involving roosters and chickens. Prosecutors also allege he deliberately threw an errant pitch to Detroit’s Matt Vierling, the first batter he faced in Game 1 of the 2024 American League Division Series, bouncing the ball before ultimately striking out Vierling.
Federal prosecutors brought charges against both players on November 9, including wire fraud conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy, and conspiracy to influence sporting events through bribery. Ortiz entered his initial not guilty plea the following day, while Clase was arrested at JFK Airport on November 13 and pleaded not guilty that same day.
According to federal authorities, both pitchers received thousands of dollars in payments to assist Dominican Republic-based gamblers in winning at least $460,000 through bets placed on pitch velocity and whether throws would result in strikes or balls.
The 27-year-old Clase has earned recognition as a two-time American League Reliever of the Year and three-time All-Star selection. Over six major league seasons, with five spent in Cleveland, he has compiled a 21-26 record alongside a 1.88 ERA and 182 saves.
Ortiz, also 27, joined Cleveland through a trade before the 2025 season. His four-year major league career includes 75 appearances with 50 starts and a 4.05 ERA.
Both athletes have remained on non-disciplinary paid leave since July while the federal case proceeds.
