Cleveland Guardians Pitchers Clase and Ortiz Face Trial for Alleged Bribery Scheme
Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz are set to go on trial in May on federal charges related to accepting bribes from gamblers. The trial is scheduled to start on May 4 in Brooklyn federal court, with jury selection taking place first. The trial is expected to last about two weeks, and both sides have not discussed a plea deal to avoid going to trial.
Prosecutors have started providing evidence and materials to defense lawyers, including electronic files, in preparation for the trial. Clase and Ortiz, along with their lawyers, have not commented on the case outside the courtroom. They are due back in court on January 15. The two pitchers have been out on bond since pleading not guilty to wire fraud conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy, and other charges.
According to prosecutors, Clase and Ortiz allegedly accepted bribes to help gamblers win bets on the speed and outcome of their pitches in the Dominican Republic. Clase, a star closer for the Guardians, is accused of providing information about his pitches to the bettors and involving Ortiz in the scheme. The defense lawyers have denied the charges, stating that the payments were for legal activities.
Clase, a three-time All-Star and two-time American League Reliever of the Year, is currently under a multi-million dollar contract. Ortiz, a starting pitcher for the Guardians, earned a salary this year. Both pitchers have been on paid leave since July when MLB started investigating unusual betting activity during their games.
The Cleveland Guardians are gearing up for spring training in February, with their home opener scheduled for April 3. The outcome of the trial in May will determine the future of Clase and Ortiz in the baseball world.