Guardians Pitchers Face Competing Accounts in Betting Trial

A prosecutor told jurors that Clase shared information about pitches he planned to throw, allowing bettors to make at least $460,000 on wagers over whether pitches would be balls or strikes. She said Clase began helping bettors in 2023 and brought Ortiz into the alleged scheme in 2025. The pitchers denied conspiring and are on unpaid, non-disciplinary leave from the Guardians while their cases proceed.

Prosecutors said Clase sought kickbacks after seeing bettors profit and that messages between the pitchers, along with gamblers’ testimony, would support the case. The indictment alleges that Clase used his phone during a game to coordinate a pitch with a bettor. Ortiz is accused of joining in June 2025.

Lawyers for both players argued that they were innocent and that gambler Enoc Pena fabricated claims of access to inside information. Clase’s attorney said Pena was guessing at pitches while attempting to sell purported tips, and pointed to more than 200 bets that Pena and other gamblers lost. Ortiz’s lawyer said his client had no contact with gamblers and questioned why he would risk future earnings for $5,000. Both pitchers were arrested in November 2025 and remain free on bail. Prosecutors said they do not plan to call Pena as a witness.