Former Guardians Catcher Bo Naylor Testifies Allegedly Fixed Pitches Looked Normal

Bo Naylor, a former Cleveland Guardians catcher now with the Milwaukee Brewers, testified Thursday that he saw nothing unusual about pitches allegedly manipulated by two of his former teammates. Naylor appeared as a defense witness in the federal trial of pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz, which is being held in Brooklyn.

The two pitchers face charges of conspiracy and fraud related to an alleged pitch-rigging scheme. Naylor, who caught for Clase and Ortiz during his time with the Guardians, stated under oath that the pitches in question looked like standard deliveries.

Details of the alleged scheme have not been fully disclosed in open court, but the prosecution has argued that the pitchers intentionally altered the condition or trajectory of the ball. Naylor’s testimony contradicts that claim, suggesting no visible tampering occurred.

The trial continues, with both the defense and prosecution expected to call additional witnesses. No verdict has been reached.