NEW YORK (AP) — Two Major League Baseball pitchers were indicted Sunday on charges they took bribes to give sports bettors advance notice of the types of pitches they’d throw and intentionally tossed balls instead of strikes to ensure successful bets. Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz, both of whom pitched for the Cleveland Guardians, have been on non-disciplinary paid leave since July while Major League Baseball investigated unusually high in-game betting activity when they pitched. Clase, 27, and Ortiz, 26, were charged with wire fraud conspiracy, honest services wire fraud conspiracy, conspiracy to influence sporting contests by bribery, and money laundering conspiracy. The top charges carry a potential punishment of up to 20 years in prison upon conviction. Ortiz was arrested by the FBI on Sunday morning at Boston Logan International Airport and is expected to appear in federal court in Boston on Monday. Major League Baseball stated it contacted federal law enforcement when it began investigating the unusual betting activity and has fully cooperated with authorities. A statement from the Guardians indicated they were aware of the law enforcement actions and would continue to cooperate fully with ongoing investigations. A lawyer for Ortiz declined to comment, while a lawyer for Clase has yet to respond.
Cleveland Guardians Pitchers Indicted in Major Betting Scandal

Cleveland Guardians Pitchers Indicted in Major Betting Scandal
Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz, both pitchers for the Cleveland Guardians, have been indicted for allegedly taking bribes to influence baseball games for betting purposes. The charges include conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering.
Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz, pitchers for the Cleveland Guardians, were indicted on charges of bribery and conspiracy related to sports betting fraud. The investigation revealed suspicious betting patterns during games they played. Ortiz was arrested at Boston Logan International Airport and is expected to face a federal court hearing. Major League Baseball continues to investigate the matter.



















