MLB pressed for answers on illegal betting investigations

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Senate lawmakers sent a letter to the MLB commissioner demanding answers on how the league “is addressing alleged game manipulation and threats to the integrity of baseball.”

The Senate Commerce Committee, led by Chairman Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and ranking member Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), sent the letter to Manfred on Monday, more than a week after Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz were indicted for their alleged role in a betting scheme.

Cruz and Cantwell also directed questions to NBA Commissioner Adam Silver after three league figures were arrested for their roles in separate schemes.

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MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred opens the MLB Draft at The Coca-Cola Roxy on July 13, 2025. (Brett Davis/Image Images)

In the letter, lawmakers noted the case of former Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Tucupita Marcano. He was banned for life for placing nearly 400 bets on baseball games. MLB said at the time that 25 bets involved bets on Pirates games while Marcano was on the roster. The Pirates said there was “no evidence” the games were compromised.

“Which begs the question: How did MLB catch Marcano and ban him for life, but fail to realize that Clase had allegedly manipulated pitches for two years? The integrity of the game is paramount. MLB has every interest in ensuring that baseball is free from influence and manipulation,” the letter said. “As chairman and ranking member of the Senate Commerce Committee, we share that interest. But in light of these recent developments, MLB must clearly demonstrate how it is fulfilling its responsibility to safeguard America’s pastime. To that end, as detailed below, we request that MLB provide documents and information on how it is addressing the allegations against Clase and Ortiz, as well as its broader approach to preventing manipulation in the sport.

“An isolated incident of game manipulation could be dismissed as an aberration, but the emergence of manipulation in multiple leagues suggests a deeper systemic vulnerability. These developments warrant close scrutiny by Congress before misconduct issues become widespread.”

The committee requests answers to six questions by December 5.

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Emmanuel Clase, left, and Luis Ortiz, were indicted in a federal gambling investigation on Nov. 9, 2025. (IMAGE)

“How and when did MLB become aware of suspicious betting and game-rigging activity by Emmanuel Clase or Luis Ortiz? Please provide sufficient documents to support your response?
“Provide sufficient documents to show MLB policies and procedures relating to sports betting, gambling or game manipulation by MLB or the players, coaches, employees or owners of an affiliated team.
“List any investigation into players, coaches, employees or owners of an MLB team or affiliate for violating MLB rules related to sports betting, gambling or game manipulation or related criminal conduct between January 1, 2020 and the present.
“Provide all documents related to any investigation listed in response to Request 3, including: “Procedures and policies used to conduct any relevant investigation; “Documents received by third parties or otherwise collected by MLB during any relevant investigation; and “Findings, conclusions, and actions taken as a result of any relevant investigation.”
“Procedures and policies used to conduct any relevant investigation;
“Documents received by third parties or otherwise collected by MLB during any relevant investigation; and
“Findings, conclusions and actions taken as a result of any relevant investigation.
“Provide communications between MLB and any sports betting platform or sports betting integrity monitor regarding suspicious or flagged sports bets:” Made by players, coaches, employees or owners of MLB or an affiliated team; o”Placed in MLB games or proposals related to MLB games, players or teams.
“Placed by players, coaches, employees or owners of the MLB or an affiliated team; or
“Placed in MLB games or proposals related to MLB games, players or teams.
“Explain to what extent MLB has addressed and plans to address alleged cases of sports betting, gambling and game manipulation that have occurred, including:”How, if at all, MLB plans to review its rules, policies, procedures or enforcement structure;”How, if at all, MLB plans to review or enforce its rules regarding the use of cell phones during games; and”How MLB plans to ensure that players, employees, coaches and owners have no ties to organized crime.”
“How does MLB plan to revise its rules, policies, procedures or enforcement structure, if at all?
“How, if at all, does MLB plan to review or enforce its rules regarding cell phone use during games; and
“How MLB plans to ensure players, employees, coaches and owners have no ties to organized crime”.

Pak Gazette Digital has reached out to MLB for comment.

Class and Ortiz were arrested and appeared in federal court in New York last week.

Clase, a three-time All-Star, pleaded not guilty to charges that he accepted bribes to help players make money from their pitching. Ortiz also pleaded not guilty to the charges.