More gambling drama in the National League West, but this has nothing to do with Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani.
San Diego Padres infielder Tucupita Marcano faces a potential lifetime ban for betting on baseball, after Major League Baseball received information that he placed wagers on games involving the Pittsburgh Pirates while he was with the team last season, sources confirmed to ESPN on Monday.
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Marcano, 24, has not yet been formally penalized, but MLB Rule 21 clearly states that a player who bets on games involving his own team can be subject to a lifetime ban.
Marcano was on the injured list with a torn ACL when he allegedly made the bets, which were flagged by a sportsbook and reported to the league.
This potential ban follows the NBA’s lifetime penalty for Toronto Raptors forward Jontay Porter, who was punished for disclosing confidential information to bettors, influencing game outcomes, and betting on NBA games while playing in the G League.
Additionally, four minor league players are facing potential discipline for gambling.
According to Rule 21, any minor league player on a team’s 40-man roster would face a one-year suspension for betting on major league games.
The Wall Street Journal first reported the looming discipline for all five players.
Gambling in sports remains a particularly sensitive issue in baseball, given the history of Pete Rose’s ban for gambling and the 1919 Chicago White Sox scandal.
Furthermore, Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani’s former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, plans to plead guilty to federal charges after admitting he stole money from Ohtani to pay off gambling debts.
MLB is also investigating Ohtani’s former teammate, David Fletcher, for betting with the same illegal bookmaker.
Marcano’s case would represent the first direct penalty for a player betting on baseball since Pete Rose.
In 2015, Miami Marlins pitcher Jarred Cosart was fined for betting with an illegal bookmaker, though not on baseball games.
Since the Supreme Court’s 2018 decision that legalized sports betting in the U.S., multiple NFL players, an assistant coach, and other league personnel have been suspended for gambling violations, alongside Porter’s banishment from the NBA.
Neither MLB, the MLB Players Association, nor Marcano’s agent offered comments on the situation.
Pirates senior vice president of communications Brian Warecki stated,
“We are aware of the matter under investigation and are fully cooperating. We will refrain from further comment at this time.”
The Padres also acknowledged the investigation, noting it pertains to Marcano’s time with another organization.
Marcano rejoined the Padres this winter after being traded to Pittsburgh in 2021.
In his career, he has hit .217/.269/.320 with five home runs and seven stolen bases in 149 games.
