Phillies’ minor leaguer José Rodríguez suspended for violating betting policy

Philadelphia Phillies’ minor leaguer José Rodríguez was one of five players Major League Baseball announced suspensions of Tuesday for violating the league’s gambling rules.

According to a release from MLB, “Rodríguez bet $749.09 on baseball, with $724.09 of that on MLB-related bets.” The report added more specifics on Rodríguez’s gambling on baseball.

“Betting data shows that on September 30, 2021, and from June 5, 2022 through July 30, 2022, Rodríguez placed 31 baseball bets, comprised of three bets on college baseball games and 28 MLB-related bets while he was on a Minor League contract with the Chicago White Sox. His MLB bets included seven bets involving the White Sox’ Major League team while he was assigned to the White Sox’ Double-A affiliate in Birmingham, Alabama. Two Club-related bets involved the outcomes and his other Club-related bets were on whether there would be more or less than a certain number of runs scored in the game.”

The release adds that “Rodríguez denies” betting on any MLB or MiLB games he took part in, and the investigation didn’t uncover any evidence that he wasn’t being truthful when saying that.

Rodríguez was acquired by the Phillies from the White Sox on April 5 for cash, days after he was designated for assignment by his previous employer. The 23-year-old shortstop was hitting .265 with four home runs, 18 RBIs and 12 stolen bases across 38 games this season for the Double-A Reading Fightins.

While Rodríguez was one of four players suspended for a year, San Diego Padres infielder Tucupita Marcano received a lifetime ban because it was deemed that he bet “more than $150,000 on baseball.” That included bets on the Pittsburgh Pirates during a period where he was on the team’s MLB roster but injured.

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