Guardians Pitchers Clase and Ortiz to Stand Trial in May for Alleged Bribery Scandal
Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz are set to go on trial in May on federal charges related to allegedly accepting bribes from gamblers to influence the outcome of their pitches. The trial is scheduled to begin on May 4 in Brooklyn federal court, with jury selection taking place first. The trial is expected to last around two weeks, and both sides have not yet discussed the possibility of a plea deal to avoid going to trial.
Prosecutors have started providing evidence and materials to the defense lawyers, including electronic files, in preparation for the trial. Clase, Ortiz, and their legal teams have not commented on the case outside of the courtroom. The pitchers have been out on bond since pleading not guilty to wire fraud conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy, and other charges last month. They are scheduled to appear in court again on January 15.
According to prosecutors, Clase and Ortiz allegedly accepted bribes to help two gamblers in the Dominican Republic win bets on the speed and outcome of their pitches. Clase is a star closer for the Guardians, while Ortiz is a starting pitcher for the team. Both players have denied the charges, with Ortiz's lawyer stating that the payments were for legal activities, not bribes.
Clase, a three-time All-Star, is currently in the fourth season of a five-year contract with the Guardians. Ortiz earned a salary of $782,600 this year. The two pitchers have been on paid leave since July when MLB started investigating suspicious betting activity during their games. The Guardians are set to begin spring training in February, with their home opener scheduled for April 3.
In conclusion, the trial for Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz, accused of taking bribes from gamblers, is set to start in May. The pitchers have denied the charges, and the legal proceedings are ongoing as both sides prepare for the trial.