Share 
This image was created entirely by AI with guidance from our editorial team.
A cooperating witness with ties to Nantucket and Winthrop, Massachusetts, testified that he won nearly every bet he placed using insider information about Emmanuel Clase’s pitches, according to Los Angeles Magazine. Testimony in the federal sports betting trial of Cleveland Guardians pitchers Clase and Luis Ortiz entered its third day on Nov. 6.
Prosecutors allege the pitchers worked with gamblers to manipulate pitches in exchange for bribes and kickbacks. Both have pleaded not guilty to charges involving wire fraud, sports bribery and money laundering conspiracies.
Witness describes pitch tips and Massachusetts ties
The witness, identified as Baez, testified that he began receiving inside information in May 2023 from Enoc Pena and Mendez, known as “Paca.” The tips included how fast Clase would throw a pitch and whether it would be a ball.
Baez said he previously shared a home in Nantucket with Pena and Vásquez Germosén. He also described moving to Winthrop, where they worked as landscapers and Uber drivers.
Baez acknowledged facing a fraud charge and $69,000 in financial obligations involving restitution or forfeiture.
Prosecutors allege Clase began participating in the scheme in 2023 and recruited Ortiz in 2025. They allege bettors won at least $460,000 through wagers tied to the pitchers’ performances.
DraftKings evidence and defense testimony
DraftKings director of special investigations Joel Trella testified that the sportsbook identified 160 geolocation pings from accounts used at Clase’s home. The data did not establish who was placing the bets.
Former teammate and catcher Bo Naylor testified for the defense that he saw nothing unusual in dozens of video clips showing pitches Clase and Ortiz threw in 2025. He described Clase as having “pretty good command” and said he had not known gamblers could wager on individual pitches until the investigation surfaced.
The government also displayed a WhatsApp screenshot allegedly exchanged between Clase and Pena in September 2023 referring to “chicken number 3.” Baez testified that the chicken references concerned baseball pitches. Clase’s attorneys said the conversations concerned actual cockfighting in the Dominican Republic.
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the Massachusetts Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-327-5050 to speak with a trained specialist.
More from playma.com – Massachusetts Asks Sportsbooks How Losses Affect Promotions – DraftKings Sportsbook Promo: Up to $250 in Bonuses for Bills vs Jets MNF – DraftKings Massachusetts Promo Code: Up to $250 in Bonuses for Bengals vs Giants SNF
—
Source: As reported by Los Angeles Magazine.
