Overview
- Mike Chernoff praised the team’s resilience, saying players were 'pissed' but regrouped to close 2025 strong and capture the AL Central.
- Emmanuel Clase is under federal indictment alleging he accepted money to intentionally throw specific first-pitch balls to benefit bettors; he has pleaded not guilty.
- Unsealed filings reported by The Athletic broaden the case to Oct. 5, 2024, citing the first pitch of ALDS Game 1 in Cleveland against Detroit.
- Tigers hitter Matt Vierling recalled seeing the spiked first pitch from that at-bat circulate on social media as the allegations widened to the postseason.
- MLB placed Clase and fellow reliever Luis Ortiz on paid leave in late July 2025, and reports say the league asked Cleveland to keep both away from spring training after a trial delay.