MLB investigating Padres' Tucupita Marcano for allegedly playing baseball: source

Lina PortmanJune 4, 2024

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MLB is investigating San Diego Padres infielder Tucupita Marcano for allegedly playing baseball, according to a person briefed on the investigation. Marcano is under investigation for betting on Pittsburgh Pirates games while he was on the major league injured list last season, according to the source. The MLB penalty for players betting on their own teams is a lifetime ban.

Additionally, four other players face disciplinary action for betting on baseball while playing in the minor leagues, according to the source. The names of the other four players are not known at this time. The Wall Street Journal was first to report the news of these investigations.

“We are aware of an active investigation by Major League Baseball regarding a matter that occurred while the player in question was a member of another organization and not affiliated with the San Diego Padres,” the Padres said in a statement. communicated. “We will not make any further comment until the investigative process is complete.”

MLB and the MLBPA declined to comment.

Baseball rules prohibit players from betting on MLB and minor league games. Under Rule 21, any player who bets on baseball not involving his team is suspended for one year and any player who bets on his own team faces a lifetime ban from MLB.

MLB's investigation into Marcano is the latest example of gambling's invasion of professional sports. The former performer and manager of Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, Ippei Mizuhara, agreed to plead guilty in May faced bank fraud charges for stealing nearly $17 million from Ohtani's accounts to cover his gambling debts. In April, the NBA banned Toronto Raptors forward Jontay Porter from the league for bet on league matches and shared inside information.

The most notable example of a lifetime ban from MLB is that of career hits leader Pete Rose. An MLB investigation revealed he bet on games as a player and manager for the Cincinnati Reds from 1985 to 1987.

Marcano, 24, has not played since July 24, 2023, due to a torn right ACL. In 2023, he slashed .233/.276/.356 with three homers and 18 RBIs.