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MLB Tightens Cell Phone Rules Amid Betting Scandal

12/19/2025

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Summary

Story summary

MLB has tightened monitoring of player cell phone use to curb gambling and sign-stealing, following the Houston Astros' 2017 scheme.
Two pitchers, Clase and Ortiz, face lifetime bans for allegedly participating in a betting scheme.
Clase is accused of using his phone to communicate with gamblers during games.
MLB has relaxed some restrictions by allowing personal phone use in clubhouses, but violations still occur.

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Story summary

MLB has tightened monitoring of player cell phone use to curb gambling and sign-stealing, following the Houston Astros' 2017 scheme.
Two pitchers, Clase and Ortiz, face lifetime bans for allegedly participating in a betting scheme.
Clase is accused of using his phone to communicate with gamblers during games.
MLB has relaxed some restrictions by allowing personal phone use in clubhouses, but violations still occur.