MLB announced that San Diego Padres infielder Tucupita Marcano faces a lifetime ban for betting over $150,000 on MLB games. Additionally, four other players received one-year suspensions for separate sports betting violations.

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred emphasized the importance of upholding the league’s integrity by strictly enforcing gambling rules. He highlighted that the ban on betting by those within the sport has been a fundamental principle for over a century.

Tucupita Marcano's Betting Scandal Shakes MLB’s Reputation
Michael Kelly, pitcher for the Oakland Athletics, was one of four players suspended for a year due to betting on games while he was in the minor leagues.

Marcano, 24, allegedly placed 387 baseball bets, including 231 on MLB games, while with the Pittsburgh Pirates. His betting activity, amounting to over $150,000, occurred between Oct. 16, 2022, and Nov. 1, 2023. Notably, he placed more than 20 bets on Pirates games while on their roster, though he did not participate in those games. Marcano only won 4.3% of his MLB-related bets.

Manfred noted the league’s commitment to maintaining integrity through partnerships with licensed betting operators, transparency, and regulated systems. MLB will continue investing in integrity monitoring, educational programs, and awareness initiatives to ensure adherence to its gambling rules.