MLB brings hammer down on Padres shortstop, suspends SD ex-top prospect for gambling

On Monday, it was revealed that the San Diego Padres were unfortunately embroiled in MLB's ongoing investigation into gambling, with Padres infielder Tucupita Marcano mentioned as being a prime target for a potential penalty from the league for betting on baseball.

Unfortunately, Padres fans' fears were realized on Tuesday as not only did Marcano get a lifetime ban, but Padres minor league pitcher Jay Groome was also hit with a one year suspension for violations of MLB's sports betting policy.

Padres News: Marcano gets lifetime ban, Groome suspended one year for gambling policy violations

We are light on details at the moment, but all of these suspensions appear to be for betting on baseball games. According to the initial information that has been made available, Marcano got the harshest punishment, as he was betting on Pirates games during an IL stint with the team, which is obviously very not good.

Marcano was in the middle of his second stint with the Padres as the team claimed him off waivers last offseason and he had been rehabbing while recovering from knee surgery. It is unclear if Marcano will appeal the ruling against him or if he even has much of a case for an appeal, but this development very likely means his time with the Padres is over at bare minimum.

As for Groome, he is a former top pitching prospect that came over in the Eric Hosmer trade, but who had been unable to stake out a role in the big leagues. Groome apparently made 30 MLB-related bets and MLB decided that a one year suspension was warranted in his case.

There is likely going to be more information that comes out over time, including possible news of appeals, and MLB's investigation into gambling is very unlikely to be over. As more developments come out, we will pass along that information as well.

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