MLB Cracks Down on Betting Infractions: 5 Players Suspended
Sportsgrid Staff
Host · Writer
Major League Baseball has taken decisive disciplinary action against several players for violations of its stringent sports betting rules. Following thorough investigations by its Department of Investigations, MLB announced today that disciplinary measures have been imposed on Major League players Tucupita Marcano (San Diego Padres infielder/outfielder) and Michael Kelly (Oakland Athletics pitcher), as well as Minor League players Jay Groome (Padres pitcher), José Rodríguez (Philadelphia Phillies infielder), and Andrew Saalfrank (Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher). These actions stem from unrelated breaches of MLB’s betting policies, highlighting the league’s ongoing commitment to maintaining the integrity of the sport.
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In March 2024, MLB received information from a legal sports betting operator regarding suspicious betting activities linked to accounts associated with both Major and Minor League players. This prompted MLB to obtain and scrutinize data from various sportsbooks, including authentication details for the bets placed. The investigation confirmed that none of the implicated players had participated in games on which they had placed bets. Furthermore, all the players denied having any inside information relevant to their bets, and there was no evidence of game manipulation or influence.
Under Major League Rule 21, strict penalties are enforced against individuals involved in betting on baseball games. The rule states that any player, umpire, or league official who bets on a game in which they have no duty will be declared ineligible for one year. If the betting involves a game in which they have a duty, they will be declared permanently ineligible.
Commissioner of Baseball Rob Manfred emphasized the critical importance of these rules in protecting the integrity of the game. “The strict enforcement of MLB’s rules and policies governing gambling conduct is essential for upholding our most important priority: protecting the integrity of our games for the fans. The longstanding prohibition against betting on Major League Baseball games has been a bedrock principle for over a century. The privilege of playing in baseball comes with the responsibility to refrain from engaging in certain behaviors, even if they are legal for others."
Manfred highlighted MLB’s proactive measures since the legalization of sports betting, including partnerships with licensed sports betting operators to enhance transparency and integrity. He reiterated MLB’s commitment to investing heavily in integrity monitoring, educational programming, and awareness initiatives to ensure adherence to these fundamental rules.
Details of Disciplinary Actions
Tucupita Marcano (San Diego Padres)
Marcano has been declared permanently ineligible for violating MLB’s sports betting rules. Investigation revealed that between October 16, 2022, and November 1, 2023, while with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Marcano placed 387 baseball bets, including 231 on MLB games, through a legal sportsbook. His bets, primarily parlays, amounted to over $150,000, with $87,319 wagered on MLB-related bets. Although he did not play in any games on which he bet, Marcano’s activities breached MLB’s integrity policies. Despite his denial of any game manipulation, the sheer volume and nature of his bets led to his permanent ineligibility.
Michael Kelly (Oakland Athletics)
Kelly has been declared ineligible for one year for betting on MLB games while he was a Minor League player. Data showed that from October 5, 2021, to October 17, 2021, Kelly placed 10 bets on nine MLB games, including games involving his then-affiliated Houston Astros Major League Club. Despite a net win of $28.30 from these bets, Kelly’s actions violated MLB’s betting policies, resulting in a one-year suspension.
Jay Groome (San Diego Padres)
Groome has been declared ineligible for one year due to his betting activities while he was a Minor League player. From July 22, 2020, to July 24, 2021, Groome placed 32 MLB-related bets, including 24 bets involving the Red Sox Major League Club. With a net loss of $433.54 on these bets, Groome’s actions contravened MLB’s rules, leading to his suspension.
José Rodríguez (Philadelphia Phillies)
Rodríguez has been declared ineligible for one year for placing 31 baseball bets, including 28 on MLB games while on a Minor League contract with the Chicago White Sox. His bets included parlays and involved the White Sox’ Major League team. Although Rodríguez denied any game manipulation, his actions breached MLB’s betting rules, resulting in his suspension.
Andrew Saalfrank (Arizona Diamondbacks)
Saalfrank has been declared ineligible for one year for placing 29 baseball bets, including 28 on MLB games while on a Minor League contract with the Diamondbacks. His bets involved various MLB-related legs and resulted in a net loss. Despite his denial of game manipulation, Saalfrank’s activities violated MLB’s integrity policies, leading to his suspension.
MLB’s Educational and Awareness Initiatives
MLB mandates annual sports betting education programs for its personnel to reinforce the league’s betting policies. These programs, conducted during Spring Training, provide in-person sessions for all Major and Minor League players, detailing the requirements of Major League Rule 21 and MLB’s Sports Betting Policy. MLB also offers a wide array of awareness programming in both English and Spanish, targeting players at various stages of their careers. These initiatives aim to educate players on avoiding gambling-related harms and maintaining the integrity of the sport.
MLB’s rigorous enforcement of its betting policies and its comprehensive educational efforts underscore the league’s unwavering commitment to protecting the integrity of the game. As sports betting continues to evolve, MLB remains dedicated to ensuring that all participants adhere to the highest standards of conduct, preserving the trust and confidence of fans worldwide.
