Major League Baseball (MLB) is investigating Cleveland Guardians pitcher Emmanuel Clase for violating cell phone regulations, a situation intertwined with a broader illegal sports betting scandal. This inquiry follows the indictment of Clase and teammate Luis Ortiz by federal prosecutors, who allege the players conspired to influence game outcomes for financial gain.
The issues surrounding cell phone usage stem from MLB’s push to combat electronic sign-stealing, notably in the aftermath of the notorious Houston Astros scandal, which overshadowed the 2017 World Series. League employees monitor how players utilize their phones during games, a critical enforcement mechanism to maintain integrity within the sport.
According to prosecutors, Clase engaged in a betting scheme during the 2023 season, allegedly signaling gamblers about his pitching strategies through text messages and phone calls. The indictment asserts that Clase’s communications contributed to gamblers winning approximately $450,000 by predicting pitch outcomes.
In one instance, on May 17, 2023, during a game against the Cincinnati Reds, Clase reportedly sent a text to a bettor at 8:24 p.m., inquiring if they were “ready.” Just ten minutes later, bettors profited by wagering that Clase would throw a pitch out of the strike zone. Another communication occurred on April 26, during a game against the Boston Red Sox, where he allegedly made a two-minute phone call to the same gambler just before multiple bettors won $11,000.
While the indictment did not link Ortiz to any direct cell phone misuse, it states that Clase coordinated with a bettor on Ortiz’s behalf. Both players face potential lifetime bans if MLB determines they violated the league’s prohibition against betting on baseball.
MLB’s cell phone policy allows limited personal use during games, which was relaxed before the 2025 season due to player complaints. Despite this, the league maintains strict guidelines against using phones in sensitive areas like the dugout or bullpen. The Players Association has not commented on the matter.
The league employs a monitoring system during games, with three staff members designated to oversee compliance. However, some executives within the league have expressed concerns about the effectiveness of these measures. A source stated, “If a guy is willing to break a federal law, I’m not sure our cell phone restrictions policy is going to prevent him from doing anything.”
As part of its ongoing efforts to regulate betting, MLB has collaborated with sports betting partners to impose limits on specific wagers, such as prop bets on pitch outcomes. Such measures aim to mitigate the risks associated with gambling and reduce the appeal of illicit activities like those allegedly undertaken by Clase and Ortiz.
While MLB has made strides in regulating technology use among players, the ongoing situation illustrates the challenges the league faces in preserving the integrity of the game. As investigations continue, both Clase and Ortiz maintain their innocence through their legal representatives. The outcome of this case could reshape how MLB enforces its policies in the future, especially in light of the complexities introduced by evolving technology and gambling practices.
