San Diego Padres infielder Tucupita Marcano is facing a possible lifetime ban for violating the MLB betting policy, the Wall Street Journal reported Monday.
MLB is currently investigating Marcano, according to the Journal.
The Journal also reported that four other players could face possible discipline for betting on baseball while in the minor leagues.
Marcano’s MLB betting accusations
The 24-year-old Marcano has been accused of wagering on games involving his former team, the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Marcano was on the injured list at the time he allegedly placed the bets.
He has not played in the majors since July 24, 2023.
What MLB betting policy says
As per Rule 21, MLB players are prohibited from betting on baseball.
“Any player, umpire, or Club or League official or employee, who shall bet any sum whatsoever upon any baseball game in connection with which the bettor has a duty to perform, shall be declared permanently ineligible.”
Another betting scandal for baseball
This is the second major betting scandal MLB has faced this year.
Shohei Ohtani’s ex-interpreter Ippei Mizuhara recently agreed to plead guilty to federal charges of stealing $17 million from the MLB star’s bank account.
Mizuhara could face up to 33 years in prison for his crimes. He used the funds to pay off his sports betting debts to an illegal bookmaker.
David Fletcher, Ohtani’s ex-teammate, is also facing a probe for allegedly wagering on sports with the same illegal bookmaker.
MLB educating players on gambling
Prior to the start of this season, MLB, EPIC Global Solutions and the Entain Foundation US partnered to enhance responsible gambling education for players.
EPIC was slated to visit with minor-league teams during spring training. Sportsbook industry sources have repeatedly stressed the need for leagues to implement better education programs.
Could prop bet types be prohibited?
A recent NBA betting scandal could lead to changes elsewhere as well.
Toronto Raptors forward Jontay Porter recently was banned for life for violating the NBA betting policy. Porter was on a two-way contract when he was disciplined.
As a result, sources have told LSR that the league and its sportsbook partners could ban markets featuring two-way players.
Rose received lifetime ban in 1989
In 1989, Pete Rose received a lifetime ban for betting on baseball while he was a player and manager for the Cincinnati Reds.
After years of denial, Rose later admitted he bet on baseball and the Reds.
He has repeatedly filed for reinstatement. However, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has repeatedly denied those requests.
