Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase participated in rigged pitch scheme during playoff game, feds say
CBS Sports
by
Matt Snyder
February 13, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Emmanuel Clase, a former All-Star pitcher for the Cleveland Guardians, faces serious allegations of participating in an illegal gambling scheme during a 2024 playoff game, according to a federal indictment released earlier this month. The 29-page document details how Clase is accused of intentionally throwing pitches that would result in balls or strikes, which could influence betting outcomes. Among the incidents highlighted is a ball thrown by Clase in the ninth inning of Game 1 of the ALDS against the Detroit Tigers, where he retired all three batters but threw an intentional ball to Matt Vierling on his first pitch.
Clase and teammate Luis Ortiz have been placed on the restricted list by Major League Baseball since last July due to their involvement in the scheme. Ortiz has since severed ties with Clase, claiming he was an unknowing participant. The allegations also name Robinson Vasquez Germosen, who is accused of coordinating with Clase to rig pitches using coded language, such as referring to intentional balls as "throwing a rock at the first rooster." Vasquez was arrested in December and released on $100,000 bond.
The case raises significant concerns about integrity in sports and gambling. Clase’s trial is scheduled for May 4, and if found guilty, he could face severe consequences, including a lifetime ban from baseball. MLB has been strict in addressing such violations, reflecting its commitment to maintaining the integrity of the game. This story underscores the challenges of balancing athlete autonomy with the need to uphold fair competition and public trust.
The allegations not only impact Clase’s career but also highlight the broader issues of sports gambling and manipulation. The coded language used by Clase and Vasquez shows how sophisticated these schemes can become, potentially affecting multiple games and outcomes. As the trial approaches, fans and analysts will closely watch how this case unfolds, as it could set a precedent for handling similar situations in the future.
For sports enthusiasts, this story matters because it
Verticals
sports
Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/13/2026