Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz appear before a judge in Brooklyn; they will return to court on January 15

BROOKLYN, NEW YORK. – Dominican pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz appeared together for the first time on Tuesday in Brooklyn federal court, where they face charges related to a sports betting scandal that has shaken Major League Baseball.

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During the hearing, both players —accused of allegedly alerting bettors about the pitches they would make in specific situations— remained serious and did not speak to each other. In fact, as part of the measures imposed by the court, they are prohibited from communicating with each other. Federal Judge Kiyo Matsumoto ordered Clase and Ortiz to return on January 15, and tentatively set May 4 for the start of jury selection, with the trial scheduled to begin on May 11, according to the New York Post.

A cold handshake

Despite the obvious distancing between them, their lawyers suggested they make a formal gesture as a sign of cooperation before the judge. The result was a brief and tense handshake, which highlighted the coldness in the relationship between the former colleagues. Neither Clase nor Ortiz offered statements to the press as they left the court.

They plead not guilty

Both Clase and Ortiz, who were dressed soberly —Clase in an informal gray suit and Ortiz in black— pleaded not guilty to the federal charges. Both remain free on bail while the judicial process advances.

Prosecutors allege that the pitchers shared insider information with bettors to benefit live bets during the games, a federal crime that could carry severe consequences both legally and in their sports careers. The case is still developing, and more clarity is expected during the hearing on January 15th.