Report: MLB investigating gambling allegations tied to Marlins' Cosart

Wed, Mar 25, 2015
by CapperTek

Major League Baseball is investigating whether Marlins pitcher Jarred Cosart had any sports-related gambling ties, ESPN reports on Wednesday. The Miami New Times first reported that Cosart deleted his official Twitter handle Tuesday night after screenshots of an alleged private conversation between Cosart and a gambling authority surfaced via social media.

Marlins spokesman Matt Roebuck confirmed that MLB is investigating the matter, but declined to comment on the issue.

"Major League baseball is aware and they are investigating it and we have no further comment at this time," Roebuck said, per the Miami Herald.

Per MLB rules, players can legally bet on sports outside of baseball. Per MLB Rule 21, Cosart could be banned for one year if he is found guilty of betting on baseball.

"Any player, umpire, or club or league official or employee, who shall bet any sum whatsoever upon any baseball game in connection with which the bettor has no duty to perform, shall be declared ineligible for one year," the rule states. "Any player, umpire, or club or league official or employee, who shall bet any sum whatsoever upon any baseball game in connection with which the bettor has a duty to perform shall be declared permanently ineligible."

Cosart, 24, was acquired by the Marlins at the trade deadline last season. He is 14-12 with a 3.26 ERA, a 1.36 WHIP and 148:108 K:BB ratio over 240 1/3 innings in his only two seasons in the majors.