Dominican pitcher Luis Ortiz, starter for the Cleveland Guardians of Major League Baseball(MLB), was arrested on November 9, 2025 in Boston for his alleged participation in an illegal betting scheme involving the manipulation of pitches during major league games.
The following day, Ortiz was released after posting US$500,000 bail under strict conditions that included surrendering his passport and travel restrictions. Meanwhile, his partner Emmanuel Clase is still at large, although he is also implicated in the case.
Investigations and charges
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Emmanuel Clase is still at large
QuéOnnda.com
According to the federal indictment, Luis Ortiz and Emmanuel Clase allegedly agreed with bettors to manipulate the type or speed of pitches so that third parties would win specific bets.
The scheme is reported to have generated at least US$400,000 in illicit profits.
Both players face four federal charges:
Conspiracy for wire fraud, conspiracy for deprivation of honest services, manipulation of sports competitions and money laundering.
The penalties could reach up to 65 years in prison.
What’s next for Ortiz?
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Luis Ortiz remains free on bail pending the judicial process.
His MLB career appears severely compromised.
Regardless of the resolution, the scandal has raised alarms about the control of betting and the integrity of professional sports.
Luis Ortiz’s case not only impacts the Cleveland team, but also Hispanic fans in the U.S., who follow Latin American players in the MLB.
This type of scandal affects baseball’s credibility and may change how the Latino media covers the sport.
In addition, Ortiz’s Dominican origin connects directly with a relevant part of the Hispanic sports community.
In his social networks, he has not made any pronouncement to date, even his last publication dates back to June 23.
For more information, visit QuéOnnda.com.
