MLB took disciplinary action against five players on Tuesday, following violations of the league’s betting rules.
San Diego Padres infielder Tucupita Marcano has been banned for life after placing 387 baseball bets, including 231 MLB-related bets, according to the findings of an investigation.
Pitcher Michael Kelly of the Oakland Athletics received a one-year suspension, as did pitcher Jay Groome of the Padres, pitcher Jose Rodriguez of the Philadelphia Phillies and pitcher Andrew Saalfrank of the Arizona Diamondbacks.
According to the investigation, Marcano wagered $87,319 on MLB-related bets, including 25 on the Pittsburgh Pirates while he was on the Pirates team. Marcano did not participate in any of the matches he bet on. There is no reason to believe that the results of the matches were compromised.
A native of Tucupita, Venezuela, Marcano has not appeared in any MLB games in 2024. In three seasons, from 2021 to 2023, Marcano has appeared in 149 games, posting a .217 batting average with 88 hits, five home runs and 34 RBIs.
Kelly, who is 31, was in his third season in the Majors and his first with the A’s. He appeared in 28 games this season, posting a 3-2 record with a 2.59 ERA and 1.181 WHIP in 31 1/3 innings pitched.
