Published on: February 19, 2026, at 06:28h.

Updated on: February 19, 2026, at 06:32h.

• Pitchers assert innocence in updated federal indictment
• Trial was initially set for May 4
• MLB spring training commenced last week

The trial involving MLB pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz, implicated in an unlawful sports betting operation, is likely to be rescheduled for October, according to a federal judge’s statement. Both athletes entered a not guilty plea to the modified indictment presented.

Clase and Ortiz, both associated with the Cleveland Guardians, have been accused of wire fraud, conspiracy to manipulate sports events via bribery, and money laundering for their purported roles in a betting ring.

The allegations indicate that the two pitchers assisted bettors from their native Dominican Republic in winning over $400,000 through prop bets on games where they allegedly manipulated pitch performance, including speed and result.

Fraud Allegations

Clase and Ortiz allegedly received substantial payments for their involvement in this illegal betting scheme.

Originally scheduled for May 4, the trial date remains tentative as Judge Kiyo A. Matsumoto noted she may reschedule it to fall in the upcoming weeks.

The new indictment, released on Friday, did not introduce any additional charges. Both pitchers were first charged last November.

Both Clase and Ortiz were placed on paid leave by MLB without disciplinary actions last summer when the situation escalated. The Guardians kicked off their spring training in Arizona last week and are set to begin the new MLB season against the Seattle Mariners on March 26.

All-Star Relief Pitcher

According to the Associated Press, the updated indictment claims that Clase and the gamblers used coded language in their communications, referring to pitches with terms like “rooster” and “chicken.” For instance, prior to a game against the Cincinnati Reds last May, gamblers allegedly messaged Clase to “throw a rock at the first rooster in today’s fight,” implying that he should throw a pitch outside the strike zone to the first batter he faced. Clase agreed, utilizing the coded terms, but did not participate in that particular game.

Clase is recognized as an all-star MLB relief pitcher and signed a five-year, $20 million contract extension with the Guardians in 2022.

Court documents indicate that Clase is believed to have manipulated pitching outcomes in up to 48 MLB games, commencing from May 2023. Guardians general manager Mike Chernoff mentioned this week that, despite the turmoil when the news broke, the team maintained their focus, ultimately becoming a wildcard team in last season’s MLB playoffs before losing to the Detroit Tigers in a 2-1 series.

Each defendant faces a potential maximum sentence of 65 years in prison if convicted.