San Diego, California – Major League Baseball announced significant suspensions for several players involved in gambling activities, with San Diego Padres shortstop Tucupita Marcano receiving a lifetime ban for wagering over $150,000 on baseball games. The league also suspended Oakland A’s pitcher Michael Kelly for one year for his involvement in gambling activities.
Marcano, a 24-year-old player, faced severe consequences after betting on 25 Pittsburgh Pirates games while playing for the team in the previous season. On the other hand, Kelly, who was a minor leaguer at the time, placed bets on MLB teams, resulting in his one-year suspension from the league.
In MLB’s statement, it was revealed that Marcano, a Venezuelan native, had signed with the Padres but had not played due to a knee injury sustained in the past. Despite betting a substantial amount on MLB games, none of Marcano’s bets involved games he participated in, as he was recovering from his injury.
According to MLB, Kelly, aged 31, placed bets amounting to $99.22 on MLB games back in October 2021 while still a minor leaguer in the Houston Astros organization. Despite his active role in the current season as a valuable bullpen contributor, Kelly’s gambling activities led to his temporary suspension.
Additionally, three minor league players were also suspended for a year due to their involvement in gambling on baseball games. These players included Padres minor league pitcher Jay Groome, Phillies minor league infielder José RodrÃguez, and Diamondbacks minor league pitcher Andrew Saalfrank, each facing suspensions for betting on various games during different periods.
As per MLB’s regulations outlined in Rule 21, any player found gambling on baseball faces a one-year suspension, while those betting on games they are connected to are declared permanently ineligible. The league maintains a strict stance on any form of gambling within the sport to uphold its integrity and fairness.