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Ex-Guardians Player Takes Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz’s Side in MLB Rigging Trial Facing Charges Carrying Up to 65-Year Maximum

In July of the 2025 season, MLB placed both Luis Ortiz and Emmanuel Clase on non-disciplinary paid leave during the betting scandal investigation. And since then, the Guardians’ pitchers have been off the mound. With their trial having started, the…

By Karthik Sri Hari KC · Essentially Sports

Published: Saturday, 7 November 2026 at 1:23 AM

Key Things to Know

Former Guardians catcher Bo Naylor testified for the defense in the federal trial of Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz.
Naylor told jurors that allegedly manipulated deliveries appeared to be normal sliders outside the strike zone based on team scouting reports.
Prosecutors allege Clase manipulated 18 pitches and Ortiz altered two pitches to help bettors win at least $460,000.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Former Cleveland Guardians catcher Bo Naylor testified as a defense witness in the federal pitch-rigging trial of pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz. Naylor reviewed video of allegedly manipulated deliveries, telling jurors the pitches looked like standard sliders thrown outside the strike zone rather than intentional manipulation. Both pitchers face conspiracy charges carrying a combined potential maximum sentence of 65 years.

Prosecutors allege Clase manipulated 18 pitches between May 2023 and May 2025, while Ortiz allegedly manipulated two pitches in 2025, enabling bettors to win over $460,000. Naylor caught seven of the scrutinized pitches from Clase and caught Ortiz for 14 starts, explaining that Cleveland's scouting reports recommended low and away sliders in those situations. Both players have pleaded not guilty.

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