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Guardians Pitchers Plead Not Guilty as Judge Signals Fall Trial in Alleged Pitch‑Rigging Case

Pretrial maneuvering over severance is pushing the case toward a fall trial.

Jul 26, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Cleveland Guardians relief pitcher Emmanuel Clase (48) delivers a pitch against the Kansas City Royals in the ninth inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
Jun 9, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Luis Ortiz (45) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz entered not guilty pleas in Brooklyn to a superseding indictment, with the May 4 trial likely to shift to the fall and proposed new dates due to the court by Monday.
  • Prosecutors allege bettors won at least $460,000 on more than 100 prop wagers, citing coded terms like “rooster” and a midgame cellphone signal that yielded about $27,000.
  • The updated filing also points to an allegedly manipulated first pitch to Detroit’s Matt Vierling in the 2024 ALDS, alongside earlier regular‑season allegations.
  • New co‑defendant Robinson Vasquez Germosen pleaded not guilty and is accused of acting as an intermediary between Clase and bettors.
  • Ortiz is seeking a separate trial and may argue he was unaware of any scheme; prosecutors oppose severance, and both pitchers remain on paid leave and free on bail.