MLB pitcher accused of throwing suspicious pitches in at least 48 games

Cleveland Guardians pitcher Emmanuel Clase has been accused of throwing suspicious pitches that benefited bettors in at least 48 MLB games, according to an ESPN report.

The number of games potentially impacted was more than was initially revealed by federal prosecutors, according to a court document filed Thursday. Federal prosecutors had originally only mentioned nine games in which Clase had been accused of rigging pitches.

Clase was indicted on wire fraud conspiracy, honest services wire fraud conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy and conspiracy to influence sporting events by bribery. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Clase and teammate Luis L. Ortiz were placed on leave in July due to an ongoing MLB investigation into gambling. By Aug. 1, both players had their lockers cleared out of the Guardians’ clubhouse.

Clase had been considered one of the league’s best closers and had been mentioned in trade rumors before the accusations.