Former Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Tucupita Marcano, now in his second stint with the San Diego Padres, is being investigated by MLB for violating the league’s gambling policy.
According to the Wall Street Journal on Monday, the investigation focuses on accusations that Marcano bet on games involving the Pirates last season while he was with the team.
The report states that Marcano, 24, could face a lifetime ban from MLB due to the alleged gambling activities that occurred while he was on the injured list with the Pirates in 2023.
Additionally, four unnamed players are also facing disciplinary action for betting on baseball while playing in the minor leagues.
“We are aware of the matter that’s under investigation and are fully cooperating,” said Brian Warecki, the Pirates’ senior vice president of communications, in a statement. “We will refrain from further comment at this time.”
Tucupita Marcano faces a lifetime ban for gambling on baseball. Story with @jareddiamond: https://t.co/fvvC6IFl6E
— Lindsey Adler (@lindseyadler) June 3, 2024
MLB, the MLBPA, and Marcano, through a representative, declined to comment to the Wall Street Journal.
The Padres issued the following statement: “We are aware of an active investigation by Major League Baseball regarding a matter that occurred when the player in question was a member of another organization and not affiliated with the San Diego Padres. We will not have any further comment until the investigative process has been completed.”
Marcano arrived in Pittsburgh from San Diego in 2021 as part of the trade that sent second baseman Adam Frazier to the Padres.
He played in 124 games for the Pirates in 2022 and 2023, hitting five home runs and recording 31 RBIs.
In 2023, he split his time between the Pirates and Triple-A Indianapolis, appearing in 75 major league games before a torn ACL in July ended his season.
The Pirates placed him on waivers in the offseason, and he was reacquired by the Padres last November.
Marcano has not appeared in any professional games this season as he continues to recover from his ACL injury.
