Ex-White Sox Prospect Punished in MLB Betting Bust

Former Chicago White Sox prospect Jose Rodriguez was among five players to receive punishment Tuesday for violating MLB’s sports betting rules and policies. Rodriguez, who was designated for assignment and traded to the Philadelphia Phillies earlier this season, has been declared ineligible for one year for his wagering activities.

Jose Rodriguez's Betting Activity

Per MLB's investigation , Jose Rodriguez placed 31 baseball-related bets spanning from September 2021 to July 2022. Seven wagers involved the White Sox while Rodriguez was playing for the club's Double-A affiliate, the Birmingham Barons.

Here's a detailed breakdown, per MLB's press release:

"Betting data shows that on September 30, 2021, and from June 5, 2022 through July 30, 2022, Rodríguez placed 31 baseball bets, comprised of three bets on college baseball games and 28 MLB-related bets while he was on a Minor League contract with the Chicago White Sox. His MLB bets included seven bets involving the White Sox’ Major League team while he was assigned to the White Sox’ Double-A affiliate in Birmingham, Alabama. Two Club-related bets involved the outcomes and his other Club-related bets were on whether there would be more or less than a certain number of runs scored in the game.

"In total, Rodríguez bet $749.09 on baseball, with $724.09 of that on MLB-related bets (an average of approximately $25.86 per bet). His MLB bets included parlays, which sometimes included multiple MLB-related legs and would sometimes include MLB-related legs and non-MLB legs.

"Rodríguez did not appear in any of the games on which he bet, and he did not make any bets involving his assigned team. There is no evidence to suggest — and Rodríguez denies — that any outcomes in the baseball games on which he placed bets were compromised, influenced, or manipulated in any way."

Another White Sox' Black Mark

While Jose Rodriguez is no longer a member of the White Sox organization, his discretion occurred while playing for one of its minor-league affiliates. Therefore, Tuesday's news is another addition to a litany of unfavorable headlines regarding the White Sox in a historically bad season.

One could argue the White Sox never gave Rodriguez a fair shake, as he played in just one game and didn't log a plate appearance at the big-league level during his time with the organization. That may be true, but in hindsight, the White Sox would be worse off if they relied on the 23-year-old for infield innings this season now that he's ineligible for a year as part of his punishment for betting.

With the White Sox beginning their crosstown series against the Cubs on Tuesday, fans can expect a few "Black Sox" jokes over the next few days. Thankfully, it should only be a short-term inconvenience instead of a year-long headache. Jose Rodriguez is the Phillies' problem now.

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