MLB investigating Yu Darvish’s possible role in gambling ring, report says

Travis Durkee

MLB investigating Yu Darvish’s possible role in gambling ring, report says image

Rangers pitcher Yu Darvish is under investigation by MLB for his possible role in an illegal gambling ring run by his brother Sho, The Japan Times reported Tuesday.

Sho Darvish was arrested in October after being accused by authorities of taking bets on American and Japanese sports. He and seven others were accused of taking 18.5 million yen, or $150,000, worth of bets based on the scores of 16 MLB games and 28 Japanese professional baseball games from May 12-18. It's not known if any of the games involved the Rangers.

MORE: Eight former players still getting paid by MLB teams

“We are aware of this situation and are looking into it, per our standard protocols,” MLB’s vice president for communications Michael Teevan told The Japan Times.

Yu Darvish missed the entire 2015 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery but could have provided his brother information about other players and teams throughout the season. 

“Our efforts are ongoing, and as such I am not at liberty to go into what they entail,” Teevan said.

Yu Darvish played in Japan from 2005-11 before he was signed by the Rangers in 2012. 

UPDATE: Yu Darvish issued a statement through his agent Tuesday denying any involvement with his brother's gambling ring.

"I am not and have never been involved with gambling activities," he said in the statement. "While I understand that Major League Baseball must conduct an investigation, I am certain that they will find that I had no involvement in this matter whatsoever. I will not comment on this matter again, out of respect for Major League Baseball's investigation, and I am focused on preparing for the upcoming season."

A baseball source told the Forth Worth Star Telegram Tuesday that the idea that Darvish was being investigated is "untrue."

 

Travis Durkee