SAN DIEGO (KSWB/KUSI) — San Diego Padres infielder Tucupita Marcano is under investigation by Major League Baseball for allegedly violating the league's gambling rules, according to multiple reports.
Marcano, who joined the Padres from the Pittsburgh Pirates in the offseason and has been on the long-term disabled list so far this season, is accused of betting on games shortly after suffering a season-ending torn anterior cruciate ligament last July.
Padres officials said in a statement they were aware of the investigation “regarding matters that occurred while the player in question was with another organization unrelated to the San Diego Padres.”
“We will refrain from making any further comment until the investigation has been completed,” the statement continued.
The Associated Press reported that MLB is investigating the allegations, citing sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the ongoing investigation.
Marcano first signed with the Padres as an amateur free agent out of Venezuela in 2016. He was traded to the Pirates in 2021 and rejoined the Padres on waivers last November.
ESPN and The Wall Street Journal reported that the 24-year-old could be banned for life if convicted of baseball betting. According to The Wall Street Journal, which first reported on the ongoing investigation on Monday afternoon, punishment could be imminent.
The gambling allegations against Marcano emerged during a season in which gambling has become a major issue.
Ippei Mizuhara, the longtime interpreter for Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, was accused of stealing more than $16 million from Ohtani to repay debts to illegal bookmakers. The charges were escalated last month to federal charges of bank fraud and tax evasion, to which Mizuhara pleaded guilty after reaching a deal with prosecutors.
According to the Wall Street Journal, MLB officials are also investigating Ohtani's teammate, David Fletcher of the Los Angeles Angels, for allegedly using the same illegal bookmakers to place sports bets.
Four other minor league players are also under investigation for alleged baseball gambling, although their names and affiliations have not been released, according to the report, which also noted there is no evidence the gambling led to game manipulation.
Nexstar's KSWB/KUSI has reached out to MLB for further comment on the investigation.
