Tucupita Marcano, an infielder in the San Diego Padres organization, is under investigation by Major League Baseball for violating the league’s gambling policy. The Wall Street Journal reports that Marcano and four unnamed minor leaguers are being scrutinized for betting on games during the 2023 season, when Marcano was with the Pittsburgh Pirates organization.
Originally signed by the Padres in 2016 from Venezuela, Marcano made his MLB debut with the Padres in 2021, appearing in 25 games before being traded to the Pirates in a deal for Adam Frazier. He was having a strong season in 2023 before suffering a torn knee ligament.
MLB states that the 24-year-old Marcano began betting on Pirates games while recovering from knee surgery. After the season, Marcano was released by Pittsburgh. He rejoined the Padres in November as a waiver wire acquisition but has not played as he continues to recover.
In a statement to NBC 7 SportsWrap, the Padres confirmed they are aware of the allegations:
“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.”
According to MLB policy, players are allowed to bet on non-baseball sports but are prohibited from wagering on baseball or softball in any capacity at any level. Betting on one’s own team’s games, as Marcano allegedly did, can result in an immediate lifetime ban.
