Outspoken Former Red Sox Catcher Weighs In On Betting Scandal

Major League Baseball launched an investigation last week involving Cleveland Guardians relief pitcher Luis Ortiz after two of his pitches were flagged as suspicious during games in June. Ortiz was placed on paid leave until July 17 pending the results of the investigation.

The unusual pitches took place during games on June 15 and June 27, where Ortiz’s pitches fell well short of the strike zone on the first pitch, calling into question whether he threw them intentionally to influence the outcome of prop bets on gambling apps.

While betting scandals are nothing new in baseball, the growing trend of online sportsbooks and gambling apps has led to a handful of suspensions over the last few seasons. Tucupita Marcano received a lifetime ban from MLB in 2024 after he was caught betting on his team while spending time on the injured list.

With MLB rules clearly stating that gambling on baseball is not allowed for active players because of its potential to damage the integrity of the sport, former Boston Red Sox catcher and Foul Territory podcast host A. J. Pierzynski spoke about how well-educated players are on the league’s stance on gambling.

“Pete Rose, these guys did not press the wrong button,” said Pierzynski.”They bet on baseball. Don’t bet on baseball. That’s it. You can have whatever the (expletive) app you want. I never in my life thought of placing a bet when I was playing for or part of an organization as a front office person, as whatever you want to call it, because it’s wrong.”

Responding to co-host Eric Kratz, Pierzynski was adamant that players in all 30 MLB clubhouses know what’s at stake when violating the league’s Rule 21, which governs misconduct and gambling-related offenses.

“And as far as Article 21 goes, they read it to you and they make sure you sign something,” added Pierzynski. “It says, ‘Don’t bet on baseball.’ When you walk into a clubhouse, it says, ‘Don’t bet on baseball.’ Please don’t (tell) me people aren’t educated. You’re not educated because you didn’t pay attention. If you’re not educated, it’s because you don’t care. And you just don’t care about breaking the rules.”

Pierzynski was a member of the Red Sox in 2014 and appeared in 72 games before being dealt to the St. Louis Cardinals later in the season.