MLB Player Under Investigation for Alleged Betting on Baseball

Major League Baseball is currently investigating San Diego Padres‘ infielder Tucupita Marcano for alleged betting on baseball, which could potentially lead to a lifetime ban.

The investigation revolves around claims that Marcano placed bets on games involving the Pittsburgh Pirates while he was on the injured list last season.

These allegations come on the heels of a similar case in the NBA, where Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter received a lifetime ban for betting-related offenses earlier this year.

MLB’s Rule 21, which outlines the rules on sports betting, stipulates severe penalties for players engaging in such activities, including one-year suspensions and potential lifetime bans.

In a sport with a historical sensitivity towards gambling, like baseball, where Pete Rose remains banned for betting, the repercussions for players involved in betting scandals are severe.

Notably, another recent incident involved Shohei Ohtani‘s former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, who is facing legal charges for mishandling money to cover gambling debts.

The ongoing investigation into Marcano’s case has involved MLB, the MLB Players Association, and the two teams Marcano has been associated with, the San Diego Padres, and the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Both teams have issued statements acknowledging the investigation and expressed willingness to cooperate fully with MLB.

While Marcano has not responded to the allegations directly, his agent, Michel Velasquez of Rimas Sports, has yet to comment on the situation.

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred highlighted the shift in monitoring sports betting activities following the legalization of such practices across the US post the US Supreme Court ruling in 2018.