According to a person familiar with the inquiry, Major League Baseball is looking into San Diego Padres infielder Tucupita Marcano for allegedly placing bets on baseball. The investigation might result in a lifetime suspension.
According to a person who talked to The Associated Press under condition of anonymity last season, MLB is looking into claims that Marcano wagered on Pittsburgh Pirates games while he was on the team’s injured list. The inquiry is still ongoing.
After the NBA fined Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter in April for disclosing private information to sports bettors and placing wagers on games, Marcano may become the second professional athlete to get a lifelong ban for sports betting this year.
Since 1924, it’s thought that no active Major League Baseball player has faced a betting suspension. In 1989, Pete Rose had already retired when he consented to a lifelong ban.
The 24-year-old Marcano hasn’t played since he tore his right ACL on July 24. On November 2, the Padres claimed him off waivers, and on March 19, he was added to the 10-day disabled list.
The Wall Street Journal broke the story of MLB’s probe on Monday, along with the news that four additional minor league players were being looked at for placing bets on baseball.