San Diego Padres infielder Tucupita Marcano is under investigation for sports betting and faces a lifetime ban

Tucupita Marcano of the Pittsburgh Pirates hits during a baseball game against the New York Mets in Pittsburgh, Friday, June 9, 2023. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — San Diego Padres infielder Tucupita Marcano is under investigation by Major League Baseball officials for allegedly violating the league’s gambling policy, according to multiple reports.

Marcano, who joined the Padres from the Pittsburgh Pirates during the offseason and has spent the season on the long-term injured list, was accused of betting on games shortly after suffering a season-ending ACL tear in July of last year.

In a statement, Padres officials said they were aware of the investigation, “which relates to an incident that occurred at a time when the player involved was a member of another organization and had no affiliation with the San Diego Padres.”

“We will not comment further until the investigation is complete,” the statement continued.

The 24-year-old was signed by the Padres as an amateur free agent from Venezuela in 2016. He was traded to the Pirates in 2021 and returned to the Padres via waivers last November.

If found guilty of betting on baseball, Marcano could face a lifetime ban. According to the Wall Street Journal, which first reported on the investigation Monday afternoon, a punishment could be imminent.

This is a developing story. Check back later for updates.