Cleveland Guardians pitchers indicted for scheme to rig bets on pitches

Allegations and Charges - Two Cleveland Guardians pitchers, Emanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz, are indicted on federal charges including conspiracy related to wire fraud and money laundering [1] - The players are accused of rigging pitches to allow bettors to profit in a scheme worth nearly $500 thousand [1] - Prosecutors allege the players telegraphed pitches to conspirators who bet on them and shared the winnings [2] Specific Incidents - In a game against the Red Sox in June 2023, Clase allegedly arranged to throw a pitch slower than 95 miles per hour, resulting in bettors winning $58 thousand [2] - Prosecutors claim Clase used his phone during games to communicate with bettors [3] - In one instance, bettors wagered on a parlay but lost when the batter swung at a pitch that was supposed to be a ball [4] Legal and Team Response - Ortiz was arrested in Boston and appeared in federal court [4] - Both players' attorneys assert their clients' innocence and express confidence in clearing their names [5][6] - MLB and the Guardians are cooperating with investigators and conducting their own investigation [6] - The US attorney claims the players defrauded online betting platforms and betrayed baseball [6]