Superseding Indictment Accuses Clase of ALDS Pitch Rigging

Federal prosecutors in Brooklyn, New York, unsealed a superseding indictment on Friday accusing Cleveland Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase of rigging a pitch during Game 1 of the 2024 American League Division Series against the Detroit Tigers. The document expands on earlier charges against Clase and teammate Luis Ortiz, alleging they intentionally manipulated pitches from 2023 through 2025 to benefit sports bettors placing prop wagers on single pitches.

The new allegations mark the first time authorities have accused Clase of such actions in the postseason. On October 5, 2024, Clase entered the ninth inning with a 7-0 lead over the Tigers and pitched a scoreless frame, securing the Guardians' victory. Prosecutors claim he threw at least one ball outside the strike zone, slower than his typical 99.45 mph velocity, to help coconspirators win bets. Video footage circulating online shows Clase's first pitch of the inning, a ball spiked in front of the plate to Detroit's Matt Vierling. The Guardians went on to win the series 3-2.

In total, the indictment identifies 15 instances in which Clase allegedly threw rigged pitches to ensure bets on outcomes like balls or reduced speed...