BREAKING: MLB pitchers indicted in alleged betting scheme, face up to 65 years in prison

Two Cleveland Guardians pitchers, Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz, have been hit with federal charges tied to an alleged scheme to manipulate bets on Major League Baseball games, prosecutors announced Friday.

The US Department of Justice said both players face multiple counts, including wire fraud conspiracy, honest services wire fraud conspiracy, conspiracy to influence sporting contests by bribery, and money laundering conspiracy.

Ortiz was taken into custody Friday morning in Boston, according to ESPN. Clase, meanwhile, had not yet been arrested as of late afternoon.

Federal prosecutors allege the players intentionally threw pitches outside the strike zone to benefit bettors wagering on so-called “micro-bets” — single-pitch wagers that allow gamblers to bet on the outcome of individual throws. That activity, investigators said, drew suspicion from oddsmakers and triggered a months-long probe that led to both players being placed on paid leave in July.

Court documents claim the scheme began in May 2023 and continued through late June. Ortiz allegedly received $5,000 for throwing an intentional ball on June 15, with Clase earning the same amount for helping facilitate it. A second incident on June 27 allegedly netted each $7,000.

If convicted, both could face up to 65 years behind bars.

The Guardians said in a statement, “We are aware of the recent law enforcement action. We will continue to fully cooperate with both law enforcement and Major League Baseball as their investigations continue.”

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