Photo Credit: Derrick Tuskan/AP
San Diego Padres infielder Tucupita Marcano has been handed a lifetime ban by Major League Baseball (MLB) for betting on baseball games. Alongside Marcano, four other players received one-year suspensions for violating MLB's betting rules, according to the league's announcement on Tuesday.
The MLB investigation revealed that Marcano placed 387 baseball bets, including 231on MLB games, during his tenure with the Pittsburgh Pirates and while on the injured list in 2022 and 2023. His gambling activities totaled over $150,000, with $87,319 wagered on MLB-related bets. Among these, 25 bets were on Pirates games.
The investigation confirmed that most of Marcano’s bets on Pirates games involved predicting the winning team or the total number of runs scored. Despite this, there was no evidence suggesting that any game outcomes were compromised or influenced, a claim Marcano also denies.
In response to the ruling, the Padres stated, “We cannot comment on violations that occurred outside of our organization. We fully support MLB’s sports betting policy and the need to adhere to all provisions of Rule 21.” The Pirates expressed their disappointment in a statement, saying they were "extremely disappointed of Tucupita’s actions" and fully supportive of MLB’s decision. They emphasized the importance of protecting the integrity of the game and ensuring all involved are aware of gambling rules and policies.
The four other players suspended for one year include Oakland Athletics pitcher Michael Kelly, Padres minor league pitcher Jay Groome, Philadelphia Phillies minor league infielder José Rodríguez, and Arizona Diamondbacks minor league pitcher Andrew Saalfrank. These players were penalized for betting on baseball games while in the minor leagues.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred stressed the importance of upholding the integrity of the game, stating, "The strict enforcement of Major League Baseball’s rules and policies governing gambling conduct is a critical component of upholding our most important priority: protecting the integrity of our games for the fans".
None of the players are appealing their discipline, and MLB reiterated its commitment to integrity monitoring, educational programming, and awareness initiatives to ensure adherence to its gambling rules.
