Senators Demand Answers from MLB on Widespread Pitch-Rigging Allegations

Allegations of Intentional Game Manipulation

The indictment, unsealed last week by prosecutors in the Eastern District of New York, accuses Clase and Ortiz of purposefully manipulating pitches to influence the outcomes of prop bets. The Senators’ letter highlights the details of the alleged scheme:

• Clase’s Actions (2023–2025): Clase allegedly informed friends of his plan to throw specific pitches for balls or strikes so they could place corresponding prop bets. In one instance on May 19, 2023, Clase allegedly told accomplices he would throw a pitch over 94.95 mph, resulting in $\text{\$27,000}$ in fraudulent winnings for his group. On other occasions, he allegedly sent texts notifying friends he would throw balls, leading to combined winnings of $\text{\$96,000}$ across two games. Overall, Clase and his accomplices are accused of winning at least $\text{\$400,000}$.

• Recruitment of Ortiz: The indictment claims that in 2025, Clase recruited fellow Guardians pitcher Luis Ortiz to rig pitches as well. Ortiz is accused of deliberately throwing balls instead of strikes in at least two games in June, which allegedly generated $\text{\$60,000}$ in fraudulent winnings.

• Flagrant Rule Violations: Clase allegedly broke MLB rules for years, frequently texting or calling accomplices during games. He is also accused of using a go-between to transfer money for betting.

Congress Seeks Systemic Answers

The request for information from MLB follows similar action taken by Senators Cantwell and Cruz against the National Basketball Association (NBA) after recent allegations of gambling corruption among coaches and players in that league.

The Senators emphasized the serious nature of the latest MLB case. They pointed out that while utility infielder Tucupita Marcano received a lifetime ban in 2024 for placing $\text{\$150,000}$ in bets on baseball (with no evidence of game manipulation), the allegations against Clase and Ortiz involve clear game fixing.

“An isolated incident of game rigging might be dismissed as an aberration, but the emergence of manipulation across multiple leagues suggests a deeper, systemic vulnerability,” the Senators wrote. They argued that these developments warrant thorough scrutiny by Congress before misconduct becomes more widespread.

Demand for Policy and Enforcement Documents

To address the threat to baseball’s integrity, Senators Cantwell and Cruz, as Commerce Committee leaders, demanded that Commissioner Manfred demonstrate how the league is safeguarding the sport. They requested a written response and specific documents by December 5, 2025.

Key demands for information include:

• Awareness and Timeline: How and when MLB first learned of the suspicious betting activity by Clase or Ortiz.

• Policies and Procedures: Documents detailing MLB’s policies regarding sports betting and game rigging by players, coaches, or owners.

• Prior Investigations: A list and all documents related to any investigation into rules violations concerning sports betting or game rigging since January 1, 2020.

• Integrity Monitoring: Communications between MLB and any sports betting platform regarding suspicious wagers.

• Future Revisions: An explanation of how MLB plans to revise its rules, policies, and enforcement structure to prevent future manipulation, including revising rules on cellphone use during games and ensuring employees do not have ties to organized crime.

The letter reminds Manfred that game fixing is not new, referencing the 1919 “Chicago Black Sox” scandal, but states that the current crisis demands immediate, demonstrable action.