MLB investigates Padres’ Tucupita Marcano for alleged betting on baseball: Source

MLB is investigating San Diego Padres infielder Tucupita Marcano for allegedly betting on baseball, according to a person briefed on the investigation. Marcano is being investigated for betting on Pittsburgh Pirates games while on the major league injured list last season. MLB punishes players who bet on their own teams with a lifetime ban.

In addition, four other players face disciplinary action for betting on baseball in the minor leagues, the source said. The names of the other four players are currently unknown. The Wall Street Journal was the first to report on the investigation.

“We are aware of an ongoing 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. “We will have no further comment until the investigation process is complete.”

MLB and 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 that does not involve his team will be banned for one year, and any player who bets on his own team will be banned from MLB for life.

The MLB investigation into Marcano is the latest example of gambling invading professional sports. Ippei Mizuhara, the former interpreter and manager of Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, pleaded guilty in May to bank fraud 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 betting on league games and sharing inside information.

The most famous example of a lifetime ban from MLB was hit leader Pete Rose. An MLB investigation found that he had bet on games while he was a player and manager of 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 posted a batting average of .233/.276/.356 with three home runs and 18 RBIs.

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(Photo: George Kubas / Diamond Images via Getty Images)