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Court filings describe Zelle transfers, coded texts and more than 100 wagers tied to Cleveland Guardians pitchers, as a new defendant is added to the case
Federal prosecutors have filed a superseding indictment in the alleged pitch-rigging scheme involving two Cleveland Guardians pitchers, adding a third defendant accused of acting as a “middleman” between the players and bettors.
Robinson Vasquez Germosen, described in court filings as an “associate” of All-Star reliever Emmanuel Clase, was previously arrested on a criminal complaint in December 2025 and released on a $100,000 bond. The superseding indictment alleges that between May 2023 and June 2025, Vasquez Germosen conspired with others to defraud online betting platforms through a scheme involving fixed pitches. The new filing does not add charges against Clase or co-defendant Luis Leandro Ortiz Ribera. Both pitchers were charged in November 2025 in a four-count indictment alleging wire fraud conspiracy, honest services wire fraud conspiracy, conspiracy to influence sports contests by bribery, and money laundering conspiracy. The players have denied the allegations.
The updated complaint cites financial records showing multiple Zelle transactions between Vasquez Germosen and individuals identified as bettors in the indictment. In one example, authorities allege Vasquez sent $2,000 to a bettor in May 2023, and the following day, bettors won a whopping $47,000 after placing wagers on the speed of Clase’s pitches. In other instances, bettors allegedly transferred portions of their winnings back to Vasquez.
Prosecutors also cited text messages and audio recordings in which coded language was allegedly used to refer to fixed pitches. Prosecutors allege that the Spanish word “gallo,” meaning rooster, was used as a code word in communications discussing predetermined pitch outcomes. The defense has previously claimed that the defendants were, in fact, referring to actual roosters.
Major League Baseball rules prohibit players from betting on games in which they participate (or from providing inside information) for wagering purposes. Under MLB Rule 21, a player who bets on a game in which he has a duty to perform faces permanent ineligibility.
As previously reported by Los Angeles Magazine, the case centers on allegations that bettors placed more than 100 wagers on specific pitches thrown by Clase and Ortiz over a two-year period. Prosecutors allege the scheme generated tens of thousands of dollars in illicit winnings. Attorneys for Clase have previously denied the existence of any pitch-fixing scheme. Court filings indicate that Vasquez Germosen also denied involvement during meetings with defense counsel, though prosecutors allege he declined to sign a written declaration stating he had no knowledge of the alleged scheme.
The case remains pending in federal court in Brooklyn. It’s unclear whether or not Ortiz’ counsel will be filing for severance as they have stated a spring trial is too soon, also filing a motion to continue in early February. All 3 defendants are expected in court February 18 for a status conference.
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Lauren Conlin
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