Story perspectives

Pitchers Face Fraud Charges for Rigged ALDS Pitches

2/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

Federal prosecutors allege pitcher Emmanuel Clase and teammate Luis Ortiz rigged pitches during the 2024 ALDS against the Detroit Tigers to benefit bettors.
They face fraud, bribery, and conspiracy charges and have pleaded not guilty.
The indictment says they used coded language in texts about the scheme, netting over $400,000 for gamblers.
They are on paid leave.
Their trial is set for May 4, 2026.

History

Historical Context

The 1919 World Series, infamous for the Black Sox Scandal, saw eight Chicago White Sox players, including "Shoeless" Joe Jackson, conspire with gamblers to fix the series against the Cincinnati Reds. Although acquitted of criminal charges, they were banned for life by Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis. This scandal highlighted the ongoing vulnerability of sports to corruption and set a precedent for strict regulations in Major League Baseball.

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Story summary

Federal prosecutors allege pitcher Emmanuel Clase and teammate Luis Ortiz rigged pitches during the 2024 ALDS against the Detroit Tigers to benefit bettors.
They face fraud, bribery, and conspiracy charges and have pleaded not guilty.
The indictment says they used coded language in texts about the scheme, netting over $400,000 for gamblers.
They are on paid leave.
Their trial is set for May 4, 2026.

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