Senators demand answers from MLB on how it's addressing 'threats to baseball’s integrity'

Longtime NBA veteran Kevin Love talks to Fox News Digital about the "stain" of gambling in professional sports and his hopes for a resolution.

Senate lawmakers sent a letter to MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred demanding answers on how the league "is addressing alleged game manipulation and threats to baseball’s integrity."

The Senate Commerce Committee, led by Chairman Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and Ranking Member Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., sent the letter to Manfred on Monday, more than a week after Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz were indicted over their alleged roles in a gambling scheme.

Cruz and Cantwell also addressed questions to NBA Commissioner Adam Silver after three figures in the league were arrested for their roles in separate schemes.

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MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred opens the MLB Draft at The Coca-Cola Roxy on July 13, 2025. (Brett Davis/Imagn Images)

In the letter, the lawmakers pointed to the case of former Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Tucupita Marcano. He was banned for life for placing nearly 400 bets on baseball games. MLB said at the time that 25 bets involved wagers on Pirates games while Marcano was on the roster. The Pirates said there was "no evidence" of games being compromised.

"Which raises the question: how did MLB catch Marcano and ban him for life but failed to notice Clase allegedly rigging pitches for two years? The integrity of the game is paramount. MLB has every interest in ensuring baseball is free from influence and manipulation," the letter read. "As Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce Committee, we share that interest. But in light of these recent developments, MLB must clearly demonstrate how it