MLB investigating Padres player Tucupita Marcano for betting on baseball, AP source says

NEW YORK (AP) — San Diego Padres infielder Tucupita Marcano is being investigated by Major League Baseball for alleged betting on baseball and could face a lifetime ban, according to a person familiar with the investigation.

MLB is currently investigating allegations that Marcano bet on games involving the Pittsburgh Pirates last season while on the team’s injured list, said the person, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the investigation is ongoing.

Marcano, 24, has not played since tearing his right anterior cruciate ligament on July 24. He was claimed off waivers by the Padres on Nov. 2 and placed on the 10-day injured list on March 19.

The MLB investigation was first reported in the Wall Street Journal on Monday.

“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 team said in a statement. “We will have no further comment until the investigation process is complete.”

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

Under Major League Rule 21, posted in every clubhouse, any bet on baseball games in which a player, umpire, league official or team employee is not required to perform is subject to a one-year suspension.

Betting on a game in which the person has a performance obligation will result in a lifetime ban.

In addition, bets on other sports with an illegal bookmaker are subject to such disciplinary action as the Commissioner of Baseball deems appropriate.

Career hits leader Pete Rose agreed to a lifetime ban in 1989 after an MLB investigation concluded that he had bet on Cincinnati Reds games while managing the team.

The last active MLB player to be suspended under the gambling provision appears to be New York Giants outfielder Jimmy O’Connell, who was banned for life in 1924 along with manager Cozy Dolan for offering Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Heinie Sand a $500 bribe to fix a September 27 game.

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

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AP Sports Writer Greg Beacham contributed to this report.

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AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

Ronald Blum, Associated Press