MLB Infielder Faces Lifetime Ban Over Betting On Team's Games
Another major gambling scandal hit Major League Baseball on Monday, and a player is facing a possible lifetime ban from the league as a result. Current San Diego Padres infielder Tucupita Marcano allegedly bet on Pittsburgh Pirates games — while on the team — last year.
According to the Wall Street Journal, Marcano faces severe discipline by MLB, as do four unnamed players accused of betting on minor league games.
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - JULY 19, 2023: Tucupita Marcano #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates runs off the field during the third inning against the Cleveland Guardians at PNC Park on July 19, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by George Kubas/Diamond Images via Getty Images)
The Padres claimed Marcano off waivers in the offseason. San Diego drafted him in 2016. The club released a statement on Monday after the bombshell report on Marcano's possible lifetime ban.
"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," a Padres official told the Journal. "We will not have any further comment until the investigative process has been completed."
The Pirates' senior V.P. of communications told the outlet:
"We are aware of the matter that’s under investigation and are fully cooperating. We will refrain from further comment at this time."
Betting scandals marred the start of the baseball season this year after news dropped over the millions of dollars lost by Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani. A federal investigation dragged out Ohtani's betting scandal, which ended with his longtime interpreter pleading guilty to federal charges of felony bank fraud.
Marcano's potential lifetime ban will be MLB's first since Cincinnati Reds player-coach Pete Rose was kicked out of the league for gambling in 1989.
Marcano's final appearance on the field was with Pittsburgh on July 24, 2023. His game against the San Diego Padres ended in the fifth inning after he stepped on third base and tore his ACL.
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - JULY 24: Tucupita Marcano #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates is helped off the field in the fifth inning against the San Diego Padres at PETCO Park on July 24, 2023 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - JULY 24: Tucupita Marcano #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates is checked by trainers in the fifth inning against the San Diego Padres at PETCO Park on July 24, 2023 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images)
Check back with OutKick as the story develops.
Follow along on X: @alejandroaveela
Send a message: alejandro.avila@outkick.com