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Federal prosecutors have widened the scope of an ongoing MLB betting case, outlining a much larger body of alleged conduct tied to pitch-level wagering. Newly referenced court material now places dozens of additional games under review, reshaping how the case is expected to proceed toward trial.
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A court document obtained by ESPN describes allegations that Emmanuel Clase took part in coordinated pitch manipulation across 48 regular-season games played between 2023 and 2025. Previous unsealed filings had focused on nine games, making the updated figure a sharp escalation in the government position.
During the two-year window cited by prosecutors, Clase appeared in 197 regular-season games. Federal authorities now claim that close to one quarter of those outings involved conduct connected to illegal betting activity.
The expanded allegations surfaced through a motion filed by Christos N. Georgalis, legal counsel for Luis Ortiz, who faces charges in the same case. The filing asked the court to separate the two proceedings, arguing that the scale and duration of alleged conduct differ substantially:
“With 26 months of alleged criminal conduct by Mr. Clase — including suspect pitches during 48 games, dozens of communications with [a bettor], cash transfers and coordination of illegal wagers, [Ortiz could receive an unfair trial].”
Federal filings allege Ortiz involvement was limited to two games played in June 2025. Prosecutors argue that combining the cases could blur responsibility in front of a jury.
According to court records, prosecutors believe the two pitchers accepted payments from two unnamed bettors based in the Dominican Republic. The government claims those wagers produced at least $460,000 in winnings.
Unlike traditional game-fixing cases, the accusations focus on individual pitch outcomes. Bets allegedly targeted whether a pitch would register as a ball or strike or fall above or below set velocity thresholds. One April 2025 example cited by prosecutors involved a wager on a pitch clocking under 98.5 miles per hour, resulting in a reported $15,000 win after a message exchange.
The judge overseeing the case ordered prosecutors to turn over evidence tied to at least 250 allegedly suspicious pitches so defense teams can prepare for trial.
Both players entered not guilty pleas to charges that include money laundering conspiracy, wire fraud conspiracy, honest services wire fraud conspiracy, and conspiracy to influence sporting events through bribery.
One bettor linked to the case offered a separate explanation in comments reported by The New York Times. The individual said communications with Clase related to cockfighting rather than sports wagering and claimed that any money discussed was intended for a legal rooster fighting operation in the Dominican Republic. The bettor also said wagering success stemmed from personal familiarity with pitching tendencies.
Roster status and timing form part of the broader context. Clase is currently under contract through 2026 on a deal valued at $20 million. Ortiz joined the Cleveland Guardians ahead of the 2025 season and made 16 appearances before league action intervened.
Both pitchers were placed on non-disciplinary leave by Major League Baseball in July as the investigation progressed.
Court proceedings are scheduled to begin on May 4. Ortiz legal team has requested additional preparation time, and the court has not yet issued a ruling on that request.