Published on: November 20, 2025, 02:11h.

Updated on: November 20, 2025, 02:11h.

• U.S. Senate committee requests documents about MLB gambling investigation
• Two MLB pitchers charged in connection with betting scandal
• MLB commissioner emphasizes the need to prevent future misconduct involving prop betting

As gambling scandals gain attention in various professional sports, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred announced that Major League Baseball will provide investigation documents to a U.S. Senate committee involved in an inquiry.

MLB is also conducting an internal investigation into two pitchers from the Cleveland Guardians who are allegedly implicated in manipulating pitches during games to benefit associated gamblers. Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz were indicted earlier this month for allegedly accepting bribes to alter their pitching tactics, including deliberately throwing pitches into the ground instead of strikes.

According to the indictments, both players allegedly accepted significant payouts from bettors in their home country of the Dominican Republic, which allowed the gamblers to profit approximately $460,000 through prop betting on specific pitch outcomes.

Allegations Against Pitchers

Both pitchers have rejected the allegations against them. They face potential sentences of up to 65 years in prison if found guilty on all counts. Their next court appearance is scheduled for December 2.

As a starting pitcher, Ortiz, along with Clase, an all-star relief pitcher, has been on paid leave without disciplinary action since July. This action was initiated by MLB following the observation of suspicious betting patterns during games in April, May, and June.

In light of the indictments, MLB has implemented a new policy regarding sports betting in collaboration with its betting partners. Gaming operators are now limited to a maximum of $200 on prop bets per pitch and these bets are excluded from parlay betting.

MLB Implements Betting Restrictions

“We believe that the measures we’ve introduced to limit the scale of prop bets and bar parlay bets off them represent a crucial enhancement that will diminish the temptation for anyone to engage in inappropriate actions,” Manfred stated.

The commissioner emphasized that MLB plans to thoroughly investigate the two pitchers before reaching any conclusions.

Senators Ted Cruz and Maria Cantwell, representing the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, have reached out to Manfred requesting the necessary documentation by December 5.

Update on NBA Betting Scandal

The NBA is also facing its own set of issues related to sports betting. In October, Miami Heat player Terry Rozier and Hall of Fame coach Chauncey Billups of the Portland Trail Blazers were arrested due to suspected involvement in illegal betting and poker operations. The FBI has made several arrests associated with these investigations, with Billups specifically accused of participating in illegal poker games connected to organized crime.

In Rozier’s situation, the FBI alleged that he was involved in a scheme to manipulate prop betting through insider information from 2023 to 2024. The NBA previously investigated Rozier over similar concerns, but he was cleared. The initial probe revealed unusual betting activity while Rozier was with the Charlotte Hornets in 2023, culminating in a lifetime ban for former Toronto Raptor Jontay Porter.

Both Billups and Rozier have been placed on leave by the NBA.

“Terry was exonerated by the NBA, and this case has been revisited by prosecutors,” stated Rozier’s attorney. “Terry is not a gambler, but he stands ready to defend himself.”

Additionally, former NBA player Damon Jones is alleged by the FBI to be involved in both illegal activities.