Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz are scheduled to stand trial in May on federal charges alleging they accepted bribes to influence gambling on their pitches. U.S. District Judge Kiyo Matsumoto said Tuesday that jury selection is tentatively set for May 4 in Brooklyn federal court, with the trial expected to begin later that week. Prosecutors indicated the case could last about two weeks.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Sherman told the court that both sides have been in discussions since the pitchers’ arrests last month, but no plea agreements have been reached. Prosecutors have begun providing defense lawyers with evidence, including hundreds of gigabytes of material from multiple electronic devices. Clase and Ortiz, who have pleaded not guilty to wire fraud conspiracy, honest services wire fraud conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy, and conspiracy to influence sporting contests by bribery, have been out on bond since their arraignment. Prosecutors allege the pitchers accepted thousands of dollars from two unnamed gamblers in the Dominican Republic to help them win at least $460,000 by providing information about the speed and outcome of their pitches. Clase, a three-time All-Star and two-time American League Reliever of the Year, reportedly began sharing pitching details in 2023 and later involved Ortiz. Both players have denied the allegations, with Ortiz’s attorney stating any payments were for lawful activities. Clase and Ortiz have been on nondisciplinary paid leave since MLB began investigating unusual betting activity when they pitched in July. The Guardians open spring training in February, with their home opener scheduled for April 3.