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Read Full BioA trial date has been set in the cases against Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz. The two players appeared in a Brooklyn federal courthouse on Tuesday, where a judge said that the trial will begin in May next year.
U.S. District Court Judge Kiyo Matsumoto stated that jury selection for the trial will tentatively begin on May 4, with the trial expected to commence shortly thereafter. Matsumoto initially proposed a February trial date, but prosecutors and defense lawyers pushed for a spring start.
At the court appearance on Tuesday, it was also revealed that prosecutors anticipate the trial to last roughly two weeks. Both players have pleaded not guilty to charges of wire fraud, conspiracy to influence sporting contests through bribery, and money laundering.
If convicted on all counts, the players could face prison sentences of up to 65 years. It is not yet known whether a plea deal has been discussed to reduce the charges or avoid trial. Still, Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Sherman said lawyers for the players have been actively in communication.
Prosecutors Detail Evidence Against Players
Sherman also said that prosecutors began providing defense lawyers with evidence and other materials this week in anticipation of the trial. The evidence includes hundreds of gigabytes of files pulled from several electronic devices.
Previously, prosecutors released a 23-page indictment detailing the case against Clase and Ortiz. The document alleges that Clase was in regular contact with bettors who placed wagers on him to throw balls outside the strike zone.
In total, prosecutors claim bettors earned at least $400,000 through placing bets on Clase’s pitches from 2023 to this year. Ortiz is alleged to have joined the scheme earlier this year, accepting bribes of $5,000 and $7,000 to throw balls in two games in June.
The players’ salaries for the Guardians far exceeded the amount prosecutors allege they were paid in the scheme. Clase signed a five-year $20 million contract in 2022. Ortiz, despite earning a lower salary, was still paid over $780,000 last season.
Lawyers Insist Players are Innocent
Evidence turned over to the defense team includes details of text messages and calls between Clase, Ortiz, and the bettors. Lawyers for the players argue the case is weak and circumstantial.
Ortiz’s attorney, Chris Georgalis, stated, “There is no credible evidence Luis knowingly did anything other than to try to win games with every pitch and every inning. Luis looks forward to fighting these charges in court. The government’s case is weak and circumstantial.”
The indictment shows that Clase sent a message to Ortiz, showing a receipt for a payment of 90,000 Dominican Pesos ($1,400), after he allegedly threw a deliberate ball against the Seattle Mariners on June 15. He then told Ortiz, if asked, to say the money was payment for a horse.
Georgalis insists the money was for legitimate purposes. He added, “Luis’ payments and other transfers of money between him and individuals in the Dominican Republic were for lawful activities.”
None of the messages shown in the indictment specifically says that the players would deliberately throw balls. The defense team will argue that the evidence is therefore insufficient to prove guilt.
Clase’s attorney, Michael Ferrera, also insists his client is innocent. He stated, “Emmanuel Clase has devoted his life to baseball and doing everything in his power to help his team win. Emmanuel is innocent of all charges and looks forward to clearing his name in court.”
The players are currently out on bail and will next appear in court on January 15 as the case continues.
