A pair of disgraced MLB pitchers charged in a bombshell sports betting scandal had nothing to say to each other during their first Brooklyn court appearance together Tuesday — and had to be told to shake hands.
Former Cleveland Guardians’ hurlers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz arrived in federal court separately to face charges of tipping off bettors on what pitches they would throw in specific game situations, allegedly allowing the gamblers to wager on the pitch with prior knowledge.
Disgraced Cleveland Guardians pitcher Emmanuel Clase arrives in Brooklyn federal court for his fraud case Tuesday. Gregory P. Mango
Fellow former Guardians hurler Luis Ortiz gets to court separately. Gregory P. Mango
Clase was one of baseball’s premier relievers before being implicated in the betting scandal. Getty Images
The ex-teammates declined to speak to reporters — or each other. Their lawyers finally instructed them to share what amounted to a chilly handshake in front of the judge.
Clase, who wore a casual gray suit, and Ortiz, draped in black, have pleaded not guilty to the charges. Both are out on bail pending trial.
Federal Judge Kiyo Matsumoto ordered both men to return to court Jan. 15 and tentatively set May 4 for jury selection to being, with the trial expected to begin May 11.