Former Cleveland Guardians catcher Bo Naylor testified in federal court on Thursday that he saw nothing suspicious regarding disputed pitches thrown by former All-Star closer Emmanuel Clase and former teammate Luis Ortiz, as reported by CBS Sports Headlines based on ESPN coverage.
Defense Testimony in Federal Trial
Naylor, who spent five seasons with the Guardians and now plays for the Milwaukee Brewers, took the stand as a defense witness in the ongoing federal trial. Prosecutors accuse Clase and Ortiz of rigging multiple pitches to benefit co-conspiring bettors. The allegations against Clase span 17 games over a two-year period beginning in May 2023. Naylor served as catcher during several of those disputed outings, including catching seven of the 18 pitches that Clase allegedly rigged.
During the proceedings, defense attorneys showed Naylor video replays of specific pitches that the government claims were predetermined by the pitchers as part of the scheme. Having been behind the plate for many of those moments, Naylor stated that the deliveries appeared to be routine sliders thrown outside the strike zone. Regarding Ortiz, Naylor explained that scouting reports for the opposing hitters during two questioned pitches suggested that low and away sliders would serve as an effective weapon.
Charges and Indictment Details
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York indicted Clase and Ortiz in November 2025. The Department of Justice stated that both pitchers coordinated in advance with co-conspirators to throw specific pitch types and speeds. Authorities alleged that the players earned at least $450,000 by manipulating outings to help bettors win wagers placed on those specific pitches.
Both pitchers entered not guilty pleas to the charges in November of last year. They have remained on administrative leave since late June 2025 while Major League Baseball conducts its own investigation. MLB retains the authority to discipline the players regardless of the criminal trial’s outcome.
If convicted on charges including wire fraud conspiracy, honest services wire fraud conspiracy, conspiracy to influence sporting contests by bribery, and money laundering conspiracy, the pair faces a maximum sentence of up to 65 years in prison.
