Marlins pitcher says he was ‘caught off guard’ by MLB gambling investigation

Miami Marlins starting pitcher Jarred Cosart said he is cooperating fully with Major League Baseball’s investigation into his alleged gambling activity.

The Miami New Times reported March 25 that an investigation was launched after direct Twitter messages were sent between Cosart and a person affiliated with the gambling industry.

“Obviously, I was caught off guard by the whole situation,” Cosart said. “I’m following the MLB protocol and talking with MLB security, and they’re taking care of it. I’m putting everything in their hands, and when we know something else, we’ll let everybody know.”

Cosart said there is no timetable for the investigation, based on his initial conversations with MLB.

Cosart, 24, was acquired in a seven-player trade with the Houston Astros in July 2014.

Based on the MLB rulebook, Cosart would be suspended indefinitely if he is found to have bet on games in which he was involved. He would face a one-year ban for betting on baseball games in which he was not involved.

Manager Mike Redmond said he spoke with Cosart.

“It’s better to let this thing play out and find out more information,” Redmond said. “When we do that, we’ll have a comment, but right now, we need to let this thing play out.”