MLB Case Witness: Suspicious Pitches Looked Normal

Former Cleveland Guardians catcher Bo Naylor testified in federal court on Thursday, November 5, that he saw nothing unusual in pitches allegedly manipulated by two former teammates. Naylor now wears a Milwaukee Brewers uniform and was called as a defense witness in the case heard in Brooklyn.

Pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz are accused of taking part in a conspiracy worth at least $460,000. According to prosecutors, Clase began giving some people advance information about his pitches starting in 2023. Ortiz was brought into the scheme in 2025 and is alleged to have deliberately thrown two pitches and received payment for them. Prosecutors claim Clase manipulated 18 pitches in 17 games.

Naylor said he watched footage that included pitches prosecutors claim were deliberately thrown outside the strike zone. He told the jury that these pitches did not look suspicious and fit normal baseball strategy. Naylor added that during preparation, hitters' weaknesses were studied and the pitch type and location were decided in advance. He also said even the best pitchers cannot guarantee that every pitch will reach its target.

Under cross-examination by prosecutor James Simmons, Naylor acknowledged that he did not know, until the investigation was made public, that the outcome of individual pitches could be bet on. Naylor was also asked whether Clase had allegedly shown interest in cockfighting, which is legal in the Dominican Republic, where the pitcher grew up. Both players maintain they are innocent and are on paid leave from the Guardians.