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A Brooklyn federal judge on Tuesday set a May trial date for Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz, both accused of conspiring to throw pitches in exchange for gambling payouts. The decision comes as prosecutors signal potential plea discussions in the ongoing investigation.

U.S. District Judge Kiyo A. Matsumoto announced that jury selection will begin May 4 for an estimated two-week trial, telling the defendants, “Obviously if there’s a disposition it comes off the calendar, at least for that defendant.”

Prosecutor Sean Sherman noted that no plea offers have yet been extended, but discussions with defense attorneys are underway. Both Clase, 27, and Ortiz, 26, followed the hearing attentively with the aid of a Spanish-language translator.

Charges Detail Alleged Rigging of ‘Prop’ Bets

The Brooklyn U.S. Attorney’s Office unveiled charges on Nov. 9, which also involve investigations into professional basketball players with purported gambling ties. According to federal prosecutors, the pitchers agreed with corrupt bettors to manipulate proposition bets, including pitch speeds and whether deliveries would be balls or strikes.

Clase allegedly began his illegal activity in 2023, while Ortiz’s participation reportedly started earlier this year. Both were suspended by the Guardians and Major League Baseball has confirmed cooperation with federal authorities.

Prosecutors say bettors won at least $400,000 from Clase’s manipulated pitches and $60,000 from Ortiz’s, with the pitchers receiving smaller kickbacks in exchange for delivering bet-winning pitches.

Defendants Deny Wrongdoing

Both pitchers maintain their innocence. Ortiz’s attorney argued that federal prosecutors have not demonstrated any purposeful involvement with the unnamed gamblers.

Sherman added Tuesday that the government has begun turning over discovery materials to the defense and possesses a “handful” of devices yet to be reviewed. He emphasized that the investigation remains active.

Clase and Ortiz are scheduled for a Jan. 15 status conference to update the court on developments.

Legal Representation

• Emmanuel Clase: Michael Ferrara, Michael Bronson, Lindsay Gerdes (Dinsmore & Shohl LLP)

• Luis Ortiz: Elizabeth Geddes (Corva Law LLP), Chris Georgalis, Paul Flannery (Flannery Georgalis LLC)

• Government: Sean Sherman, Eric Silverberg (U.S. Attorney’s Office, E.D. New York)

Defense counsel and government representatives declined to comment outside the courthouse Tuesday.