I DON'T KNOW

NOT BROUGHT TO YOU BY DRAFTKINGS

I DON’T KNOW

I don’t know all that has gone on with the pitch-rigging schemes that resulted in the indictments of Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz. I really don’t have a clue because an indictment is just an accusation. However, I fear that after these two Guardians pitchers are tried by a jury of their peers (i.e., other starters and relievers), we will still not know the full story. And that is concerning.

We do know that Clase and Ortiz have been on paid leave from the league since late July. We also know that on July 27, Guardians president Chris Antonetti was informed by a league official that Clase, one of the best relievers in baseball, would be placed on leave.

We know that, according to a 23-page indictment unsealed Sunday at a Brooklyn, N.Y., courthouse that the two face charges of wire fraud conspiracy, honest services wire fraud conspiracy, conspiracy to influence sporting contests by bribery, and money laundering conspiracy related to a scheme to predetermine certain pitches that netted bettors hundreds of thousands in winnings. I don’t know what all that means.

According to The Athletic, which has a commercial partnership with BetMGM, activity allegedly began with Clase in or around May 2023. Ortiz joined in around June 2025. According to the indictment, Clase’s conspirators totaled more than $400,000 in winnings. Ortiz’s totaled more than $60,000.

According to ESPN, which operates ESPN BET currently in partnership with PENN Entertainment, Clase and Ortiz each could face up to 20 years in prison for wire fraud conspiracy, 20 years for honest services wire fraud conspiracy, 20 years for money laundering conspiracy, and five years for conspiracy to influence sporting events by bribery, according to prosecutors.

According to MLB.com, the website of Major League Baseball, which has official partnerships with FanDuel and BetMGM for sports betting, on July 3, MLB placed Ortiz on non-disciplinary paid leave through the All-Star break. On July 18, his leave was extended through Aug. 31. Clase initially was placed on non-disciplinary paid leave on July 28, which was to run through Aug. 31. On Aug. 31, MLB announced Ortiz and Clase would each remain on leave “until further notice.”

Here’s what else we know.

In 2024, the three AL Cy Young finalists were Tarik Skubal (Detroit Tigers), Emmanuel Clase (Cleveland Guardians), and Seth Lugo (Kansas City Royals). In case you didn’t know, Cy Young holds the record with 511 career wins. Cy Young also holds the record for the most career losses, with 316 losses.

Emmanuel Clase in 2024 had winning Cy Young numbers in the regular season and losing Cy Young numbers in the postseason:

Does that mean anything? I don’t know.

I do know that before he was suspended in 2025, Clase had a 3.23 ERA, a 1.23 WHIP, and a .256 BAA. Does that mean anything? I don’t know.

I also know that in 2024, Luis Ortiz had a 3.32 ERA, a .218 BAA, and walked 42 batters in 135.2 IP. In 2025, Ortiz had a 4.36 ERA, a .237 BAA, and walked 42 batters in 88.2 IP. Does that mean anything? I don’t know.

Finally, I do know that neither Clase nor Ortiz pitched after July. Through July, the Guardians were a .500 team (54-54), 9.0 games behind the Tigers. They lost their closer and a member of their rotation, and from August 1, they went 34-20, playing .630 baseball.

Does that mean anything?

Does any of this mean anything beyond mere supposition?

I really and simply don’t know.

For more specifics within the indictment, check today’s AP story by Michael R. Sisak. For the pitches in question, check this AP story.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“Integrity, honesty and fair play are part of the DNA of professional sports. When corruption infiltrates the sport, it brings disgrace not only to the participants but damages the public trust in an institution that is vital and dear to all of us.” U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr.

ANAGRAM OF THE DAY

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