Cleveland Pitcher Luis Ortiz Arrested in Bet-Rigging Scandal: Details Emerge
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Cleveland Guardians pitcher Luis Ortiz has been arrested on federal charges of taking bribes to help associates win prop bets on pitches he threw. Ortiz, 26, appeared in federal court in Boston, where U.S. Magistrate Judge Donald Cabell granted him release with conditions, including surrendering his passport and posting a $500,000 bond. Ortiz and teammate Emmanuel Clase are accused of taking thousands of dollars in payoffs to rig pitches in games against the Boston Red Sox, Seattle Mariners, and St. Louis Cardinals. The scheme allegedly began in 2023, with Clase providing bettors with information about his pitches and asking for payoffs this year. According to the indictment, Clase, a three-time All-Star, had a $4.5 million salary in 2025 and began providing bettors with information about his pitches in 2023. Ortiz, who had a $782,600 salary this year, joined the scheme in June and is accused of rigging pitches in games against the Mariners and Cardinals. The charges carry a potential punishment of up to 20 years in prison. MLB has been investigating unusual betting activity since July and has fully cooperated with federal authorities. The Cleveland Guardians have also released a statement, saying they will continue to cooperate with law enforcement and MLB. This is the latest development in a federal crackdown on betting in professional sports. Last month, over 30 people, including prominent basketball figures, were arrested in a gambling sweep that rocked the NBA. Ortiz's lawyer has denied the allegations, stating that his client is innocent and has never improperly influenced a game. The case is ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge in the coming days.
