Former Cleveland Guardians catcher Bo Naylor testified in federal court Thursday that he saw nothing unusual about disputed pitches thrown by former All-Star closer Emmanuel Clase and former teammate Luis Ortiz, according to ESPN.
Naylor, who played five seasons for the Guardians and is now with the Milwaukee Brewers, appeared as a defense witness in the ongoing federal trial. Prosecutors allege Clase and Ortiz rigged multiple pitches for the benefit of bettors, with Clase allegedly doing so in 17 games across a two-year period starting May 2023. Naylor caught seven of the 18 pitches Clase is accused of rigging.
Naylor reviewed video replays of the alleged predetermined pitches and said they looked like common sliders outside the strike zone. He noted scouting reports indicated sliders low and away would be a "weapon" against the hitters Ortiz faced.
In November 2025, Clase and Ortiz were indicted by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York. The Department of Justice alleges they agreed in advance with co-conspirators to throw specific pitch types and speeds, earning at least $450,000. Both pleaded not guilty in November 2024.
Clase and Ortiz have been on administrative leave since late June 2025 while MLB investigates. MLB can discipline them regardless of the criminal trial outcome. If convicted, they face up to 65 years in prison on charges including wire fraud conspiracy, honest services wire fraud conspiracy, conspiracy to influence sporting contests by bribery, and money laundering conspiracy.
