The MLB was quick with a response to a request from the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee to answer questions regarding the manipulation of games following a new gambling scandal for America’s oldest professional sports league.
Last week, Committee Chairman Ted Cruz and Ranking Member Maria Cantwell sent a letter to MLB requesting written responses to several questions regarding MLB gambling rules, communication with operators and the ongoing probe into Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz. According to court documents, the pitchers are charged with wire fraud conspiracy, conspiracy to influence sporting contests by bribery and money laundering conspiracy for allegedly rigging pitches during games and receiving kickbacks. Cruz and Cantwell requested responses from MLB on the matter by Dec. 5.
“We’re going to respond fully and cooperatively and on time to the Senate inquiry,” said MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred during a news conference at an owners meeting.
Senate committee wants details on MLB protocols
MLB is tasked with answering questions about how and when the league was notified of the suspicious wagering and game manipulation activity tied to Clase and Ortiz. The league is also required to provide documentation of its investigations into gambling infractions.
The documents pertain to investigations conducted after January 2020.
The documents will include correspondence tied to the lifetime MLB banishment of Tucupita Marcano, who was referenced in the letter by Cruz and Cantwell.
The letter seeks clarity on how Clase and Ortiz’s alleged gambling-related infractions went unnoticed after Marcano received a league ban in 2024 for placing over 200 bets on MLB.
Active MLB gambling rules prohibit wagering on all baseball competitions.
MLB collaborates with sportsbooks on bet limit
MLB must also provide a game plan for addressing alleged gambling violations and potential game rigging. The plan will include policies and enforcement protocols.
The league is already taking steps to curtail game manipulation by working with licensed operators to limit the amount of money bettors can wager on pitch-level markets.
Last week, MLB announced that its authorized operators will no longer accept wagers that exceed $200 on pitch-level markets. The bet limit is being imposed after an investigation found evidence that co-conspirators wagered on specific pitches Clase and Ortiz rigged.
According to an unsealed indictment, Clase worked with co-conspirators between May 2023 and June 2025 to rig specific pitches based on speed and location. Ortiz joined the alleged scheme in June 2025 with co-conspirators wagering over $50,000 on his pitches.
All allegations against Clase and Ortiz are currently unproven. Three of the charges faced by both pitchers carry maximum sentences of up to 20 years in prison. Clase and Ortiz have both been placed on non-disciplinary paid leave as part of MLB’s investigation.
NBA also receives a letter from Senate committee
The Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee also requested information from the NBA regarding its gambling scandals involving both active and former players. The committee sent a letter to NBA Commissioner Adam Silver about potential gameplay manipulation by Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier. The league is also dealing with the alleged involvement of a head coach and former player in a Mafia-backed rigged poker scheme.
