Topline
San Diego Padres infielder Tucupita Marcano received a lifetime ban from Major League Baseball on Tuesday, the league announced, after an investigation determined he bet thousands of dollars on baseball games, including some involving his own team.
The San Diego Padres infielder allegedly bet more than $150,000 on baseball, the league said.
Key Facts
Marcano wagered more than $150,000 across 387 bets in 2022 and 2023, including 25 bets that involved the Pittsburgh Pirates while he was assigned to the team, the MLB said, though he never played in any of the games he placed bets on.
There is no evidence suggesting the outcomes in the games Marcano bet on were compromised, influenced or manipulated in any way, a claim Marcano also denied, according to the MLB.
Marcano appears to be the first active major leaguer to be banned for gambling since New York Giants outfielder Jimmy O’Connell in 1924, according to the Associated Press.
The MLB also suspended Oakland Athletics pitcher Michael Kelly and minor leaguers Jay Groome, Jose Rodriguez and Andrew Saalfrank for one year for unrelated violations of the league’s gambling policy.
Get Forbes Breaking News Text Alerts: We’re launching text message alerts so you’ll always know the biggest stories shaping the day’s headlines. Text “Alerts” to (201) 335-0739 or sign up here.
This is a developing story and will be updated.