Tucupita Marcano Facing Lifetime Ban for Betting on Pirates’ Games

Former Pittsburgh Pirates infielder/outfielder Tucupita Marcano is facing a lifetime ban from Major League Baseball for violating the league’s gambling policy, as first reported by Lindsey Adler and Jared Diamond of the Wall Street Journal. A source confirmed the news to Pittsburgh Baseball Now.

The 24-year-old is being investigated for betting on games involving the Pirates during the 2023 season while he was on the team’s injured list. There is no official punishment as of yet.

“We are aware of the matter that’s under investigation and are fully cooperating. We will refrain from further comment at this time,” the Pirates said in a statement.

Under the league’s gambling policy, players are permitted to bet on sports other than baseball. However, betting on MLB games involving one’s own team results in a lifetime ban.

Marcano, who is now with the San Diego Padres, played two seasons in the big leagues with the Pirates from 2022-23. In 124 career games with Pittsburgh, Marcano slashed .221/.267/.334 with 18 doubles, four triples, five home runs and 31 RBIs.

The Pirates acquired Marcano from the Padres leading up to the 2021 trade deadline in the Adam Frazier trade that also netted Jack Suwinski. The Padres claimed Marcano off waivers from the Pirates in November.

Marcano is currently on the 10-day injured list after undergoing surgery on his right knee.

He is one of five players currently under investigation for betting on baseball with the other four taking place while in the minor leagues.