Emmanuel Clase Accused of Rigging Pitches in 48 Games Stuns Fans: “Lock That Thug Up”

Emmanuel Clase has been alleged to have rigged pitches in 48 games over the past 2 seasons, way more than previously reported.

Emmanuel Clase Accused of Rigging Pitches in 48 Games Stuns Fans: “Lock That Thug Up”

Emmanuel Clase (Image via Spectrum News)

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Emmanuel Clase‘s alleged pitching scandal seems to have a new development. According to a report from ESPN, the pitcher has been accused of rigging pitches in 48 games, which is far more than previously reported.

In late July 2025, the Cleveland Guardians suffered a massive blow as Clase was placed on non-disciplinary paid leave. This came a few days after another Guardians star, Luis Ortiz, was also placed on non-disciplinary paid leave during an investigation into sports betting.

In November, the two pitchers were indicted for rigging pitches. As per a 23-page indictment, Clase had been throwing foul pitches and was involved in this scandal since 2023.

The bettors would place wagers on whether the right-handed pitcher would throw a ball or pitch under a specific mph threshold. The two Guardians stars would plead not guilty to these charges.

On Thursday, a report from ESPN sent shockwaves across social media. According to the report, Clase, the 3-time MLB All-Star, had rigged pitches in over 48 games in the last two seasons.

Before this incident, Clase coincidentally made 48 appearances in the 2025 season. He went 5-3 and had 24 saves while pitching with a 3.23 ERA.

In the past few years, the Dominican international had established himself as one of the most dominant closers in the game. During the 2024 postseason, the pitcher did seem to struggle. In 7 games, he went 0-2 with a 9.00 ERA in 8 innings while surrendering 3 home runs.

Social media reacts to latest update regarding Emmanuel Clase

Emmanuel Clase’s name dominated the headlines once again on Thursday following a latest update. According to ESPN, a court document claimed that the pitcher had rigged more games than previously mentioned.

Emmanuel Clase
Emmanuel Clase (Image via X/@TalkinBaseball_)

Fans on social media were left stunned by this. Many users on X slammed sports betting and called him out. Meanwhile, one user wrote, “lock that thug up” while reacting to this.

Check out that and some other reactions from X below:

Clase was expected to make $6.4 million in the 2026 season. Now, he and Ortiz face up to 65 years in prison if they are convicted of the charges labelled against them. The trial regarding this is currently scheduled to begin on May 4.

Emmanuel Clase’s attorneys claimed that he “devoted” his life to baseball

The alleged pitching scandal of Emmanuel Clase shook up the MLB world. The pitcher is facing up to 65 years in prison if he is convicted of all charges against him. He, however, has continued to claim that he is innocent, with his defense attorneys expressing that he “devoted” his life to baseball.

Emmanuel Clase
Emmanuel Clase (Image via X/@FoulTerritoryTV)

After being indicted in November, federal attorney Michael Ferrara would issue a statement and claimed that the pitcher was looking to clear his name in the court.

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.

Emmanuel Clase’s defense attorney Michael Ferrara said in a statement

In January last month, there was an even more staggering claim to Clase’s alleged scandal. As per reports, an alleged bettor expressed that the prosecutors misinterpreted their texts and that they were talking about bets on rooster fights.

Only time will tell what will happen with Clase. His MLB career is most likely over following this development.

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