Former Pirates player under investigation for betting on the Bucs

PITTSBURGH, PA — Former Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Tucupita Marcano is under investigation by Major League Baseball for allegedly violating the league’s gambling policy by betting on Pirates games last year while on the team’s injured list.

If Marcano violates the rules, he faces a lifetime ban from practicing the sport.

Subscribe to

The investigation was first reported in the Wall Street Journal. A league spokesperson confirmed the investigation to CBS Sports.

Major League Baseball rules prohibit players from betting on baseball or softball at any level. Players caught betting on other baseball teams face a one-year suspension. If they are found to have bet on their own team, they may be banned for life.

Marcano, 24, is now a member of the San Diego Padres, but has not played for the team this season due to a torn ACL.

The Padres issued a statement saying only that the team was aware of the investigation. The Pirates have not made any public comment.