The MLB announced Tuesday a lifetime ban for Padres player Tucupita Marcano after an investigation concluded that he violated the league’s gambling policies.
The probe accused San Diego Padres infielder Marcano of betting on MLB games featuring the Pittsburgh Pirates last season while he was on the injured list. Four other players —A’s pitcher Michael Kelly, Diamondbacks pitcher Andrew Saalfrank, Padres pitcher Jay Groome and Phillies infielder Jose Rodriguez — were also handed one-year suspensions for betting on other teams, commissioner Rob Manfred announced.
San Diego Padres infielder Tucupita Marcano is facing a potential lifetime ban for betting on baseball, sources confirmed to ESPN.
This news was first reported by the Wall Street Journal. pic.twitter.com/vmXXPoFzub
— ESPN (@espn) June 3, 2024
The San Diego Padres released a statement acknowledging the investigation but noted the incidents allegedly occurred while Marcano was with another team.
“We are aware of an active investigation by Major League Baseball regarding a matter that occurred when the player in question was a member of another organization and not affiliated with the San Diego Padres. We will not have any further comment until the investigative process has been completed,” the San Diego Padres said in a statement.
MIAMI, FLORIDA – JUNE 24: Tucupita Marcano #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates looks on against the Miami Marlins during the fourth inning at loanDepot park on June 24, 2023 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
Marcano’s last appearance in an MLB game was July 24, 2023, for the Pirates, before suffering a season-ending knee injury, the outlet stated. He began his MLB career with the Padres in 2021 after signing as a 16-year-old from Venezuela in 2016 and has played 149 games in the major leagues, batting .217 with five home runs. (RELATED: Rising MLB Star Wants To Join Military After Career Is Over, Coach Says)
This probe is part of a larger trend of gambling-related issues in sports following the Supreme Court’s decision six years ago that legalized sports betting in the U.S., according to WSJ. For instance, the National Basketball Association recently banned a player for gambling violations, and federal prosecutors have charged a high-profile baseball interpreter with embezzling funds to cover gambling debts.
