Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase was taken into custody Thursday morning at JFK Airport, where FBI agents arrested him in connection with a federal pitch-rigging indictment that has rocked Major League Baseball.
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John Marzulli of the Eastern District of New York DOJ confirmed to TMZ Sports that Clase, 27, was detained roughly an hour after landing on a flight from the Dominican Republic.
The arrest comes just days after federal prosecutors charged the All-Star reliever in an alleged gambling scheme involving pre-game pitch tipping.
According to court documents obtained by TMZ, investigators say Clase notified co-conspirators of the specific pitches he planned to throw before certain games. Prosecutors allege the information helped bettors rake in at least $400,000.
Clase isn't the only Guardian facing federal charges. Pitcher Luis Ortiz was arrested Sunday in Boston on similar accusations tied to the same investigation.
"The defendants' alleged greed not only established an unfair advantage for select bettors, but also sullied the reputation of America's pastime," said FBI Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia. "The FBI will ensure any individual who exploits their position as a professional athlete at the expense of others strikes out."
If convicted, both pitchers face decades in prison. Representatives for Clase and Ortiz have publicly denied any wrongdoing.
