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A formal schedule has been confirmed in the federal case involving Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz as reported by Associated Press. A New York court set clear dates for jury selection and the expected trial period, giving the legal process a defined structure as the case heads into 2026.
Good to Know
Clase and Ortiz appeared before U.S. District Court Judge Kiyo Matsumoto for a short hearing that outlined next steps. The court set May 4 as the start of jury selection, with the trial likely to begin one or two weeks after. A February window was reviewed, though both legal teams requested additional preparation time.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Sherman estimated a two-week trial. Prosecutors also confirmed that discovery documents were recently delivered to defense counsel, and no plea conversations have taken form.
Both men must return to court on January 15, 2026. According to the Associated Press, neither offered public comment after the session.
Federal agents arrested Clase and Ortiz last month on charges that include wire fraud conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy, and conspiracy to influence sporting events through bribery. Both Ortiz and Clase entered not guilty pleas. Clase secured release on a $600,000 bond, while Ortiz was released on a $500,000 bond. Travel limits were also imposed.
Prosecutors allege that the two pitchers provided information to bettors in the Dominican Republic who later won $460,000 by wagering on pitch speed and predicted outcomes tied to the two Guardians arms. Clase allegedly began cooperating with the bettors in 2023 and then brought Ortiz into the arrangement in June. Both men allegedly supplied funds for wagering activity and accepted payments connected to winning bets.
Defense counsel disputes the claims. Legal representatives for Ortiz argue that transfers to individuals in the Dominican Republic were lawful and unrelated to an illicit betting activity. Ortiz first entered non-disciplinary paid leave when an integrity firm flagged two pitches during a June game for unusual wagering behavior. Clase later entered non-disciplinary paid leave when the Ohio Casino Control Commission opened a review.
Shortly after the federal indictments, Major League Baseball announced a coordinated step with regulated sportsbooks to limit pitch-level wagers to a maximum of $200.
May 4, 2026.
About two weeks.
Wire fraud conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy, and conspiracy to influence sporting events through bribery.
Both entered not guilty pleas.
MLB worked with sportsbooks to add the cap after the indictments connected to pitch-related betting activity.