MLB Player Tucupita Marcano Faces Lifetime Ban for Alleged Baseball Bets

San Diego Padres infielder Tucupita Marcano is currently under investigation by Major League Baseball (MLB) for allegedly betting on baseball games, which could result in a lifetime ban, according to a source familiar with the probe.

The investigation focuses on allegations that Marcano placed bets on games involving the Pittsburgh Pirates while he was on the team’s injured list last season, as reported by an anonymous source to The Associated Press due to the ongoing nature of the investigation.

If found guilty, Marcano could become the second professional athlete to receive a lifetime ban for sports betting this year. Previously, the NBA banned Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter in April after a league investigation revealed he disclosed confidential information to sports bettors and wagered on games.

Historically, no active MLB player has been banned for betting on baseball since 1924. The last prominent case involved Pete Rose, who accepted a lifetime ban in 1989 after an investigation concluded he bet on Cincinnati Reds games while managing the team.

Marcano, 24, has been sidelined since tearing his right ACL on July 24 of the previous year. The Padres claimed him off waivers on November 2 and placed him on the 10-day injured list on March 19.

The MLB investigation was first reported by The Wall Street Journal, which also mentioned that four other players are under scrutiny for betting on baseball while in the minor leagues.

In a statement, the Padres acknowledged the investigation: “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 Pittsburgh Pirates also commented, with senior vice president of communications Brian Warecki stating, “We are aware of the matter that’s under investigation and are fully cooperating. We will refrain from further comment at this time.”

Marcano’s agent, Michel Velasquez of Rimas Sports, did not respond to an email seeking comment. The Major League Baseball Players Association also declined to comment.

According to Major League Rule 21, posted in every clubhouse, betting on any baseball game in which a player, umpire, league official, or team employee has no duty to perform results in a one-year suspension. Betting on a game in which the person has a duty to perform results in a lifetime ban. Additionally, betting on other sports with an illegal bookmaker is subject to discipline deemed appropriate by the baseball commissioner.

Pete Rose, baseball’s career hits leader, agreed to a lifetime ban in 1989 after an MLB investigation concluded he bet on Cincinnati Reds games while managing the team. The last active MLB player suspended under the gambling provision appears to be New York Giants outfielder Jimmy O’Connell, banned for life along with coach Cozy Dolan in 1924 for offering a $500 bribe to Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Heinie Sand to throw a game on September 27.

Marcano made his major league debut on April 1, 2021, and has a .217 average with five homers, 34 RBIs, and seven stolen bases in 149 games. He has played in both the infield and outfield positions.

Since the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a federal law banning sports betting in most states in May 2018, U.S. sports leagues have increased their monitoring of gambling activities. Sportsbooks have opened at stadiums across the country in major U.S. professional sports.

Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, was fired by the Los Angeles Dodgers after the season opener on March 21 when a federal gambling investigation became public. Mizuhara agreed to plead guilty to bank and tax fraud in a sports betting case, in which prosecutors allege he stole nearly $17 million from the two-time AL MVP to pay off debts.

Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred stated last month that MLB’s department of investigations deferred to the government probe. He noted that MLB has superior methods for monitoring potentially illicit bets with legal sportsbooks compared to illegal bookmakers. It is not clear how Marcano might have placed his alleged bets.

MLB’s primary concern with legal sports betting involves prop bets, which focus on actions besides the score or outcome of games. For example, wagers on whether a certain player will steal at least one base in a game.

“There are certain kinds of prop bets that are of concern to us and continue to be of concern to us,” Manfred said. “Obviously, the potential for something happening in the game that nobody notices is much higher with a lot of kinds of prop bets and you could see where a player would be more tempted to — all you need to do is miss three free throws; it doesn’t necessarily change the outcome of your game. Your team may pick you up and life moves on. It’s just easier to have a problem on a prop bet. I think it’s just human nature. So, yeah, we remain concerned about them and have lobbied for certain types of prop bets not to be allowable.”