The match-fixing case against Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz escalates as their defense now claims a third person, an alleged gambling addict by the name of Enoc Pena, deceived the two players. However, the prosecution is not buying that, labeling the two defendants as “cheaters.”
What Is the Case About?
Clase, 28, is alleged to have manipulated at least 18 pitches across 17 games between May 19, 2023, and May 28, 2025. Prosecutors say he did so by deliberately throwing balls or alerting bettors in advance that he would throw an off-speed pitch.
Meanwhile, Ortiz, 27, allegedly joined the scheme in June 2025 and is accused of manipulating two pitches in two separate games. Both are on trial for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, honest services fraud, sports bribery, and money laundering.
The two players were accused of match fixing last autumn following an investigation, which alleged that Ortiz accepted a $5,000 bribe to alter a play during a game that took place on June 15, 2025.
Defense Blames Third Person as Mastermind Behind the Match Fixing
Clase’s attorney, Michael Bronson, argued that the bettor Enoc Pena exploited the pitcher by falsely telling associates he had inside information about the speed and outcome of certain pitches. Bronson said Clase considered Pena a friend, while “Pena saw Clase as a mark.”
He also pointed to Clase’s achievements as one of baseball’s top closers, his career earnings, and questioned why the pitcher would risk everything for just a “few thousand dollars” in alleged kickbacks. A three-time All-Star and two-time American League Reliever of the Year, Clase has earned more than $13 million during his seven seasons in the major leagues.
Meanwhile, Ortiz’s defense, Samuel Landes, also placed blame on Pena, describing him as a key figure in the alleged scheme and a government cooperating witness who was “bought and paid for.” The attorney told jurors that Ortiz had no communication with any of the alleged bettors.
Prosecution Isn’t Buying It
Assistant US Attorney Rebecca Urquiola, representing the Eastern District of New York, told jurors that the players had “sold their pitches” by selling information to Pena. Her words are supported by the words of Paul Mifsud, a senior vice president and head of baseball operations counsel for Major League Baseball. He testified that communicating with a sports bettor about intended pitch selections would violate the loyalty clause contained in every MLB player’s contract.
It’s still too early to say what the outcome of the trial would be, considering it started earlier this week after it was delayed for many months throughout the year.