Yu Darvish is not being investigated by MLB in relation to a gambling scandal involving his brother, according to a report.
The Japan Times reported Tuesday that Darvish was being investigated by MLB because of his brother’s arrest. Yu’s brother, Sho, was arrested in Japan in late October for gambling and running an illegal betting ring. Sho’s ring allegedly took bets on professional baseball games including MLB and NPB contests.
“We are aware of this situation and are looking into it, per our standard protocols,” MLB VP of Communications Michael Teevan told The Japan Times.
The Fort Worth Star-Telegram’s Jeff Wilson says that while MLB may be looking into the matter, Darvish himself is not being investigated.
“The idea that anything is specific to Yu Darvish is untrue,” a source told Wilson.
It’s conceivable that Yu may have provided information about players and teammates, but it may have been done so unwittingly without realizing his brother was asking for gambling purposes. Of course, that is all pure speculation.
Darvish is recovering from Tommy John surgery and expected to be ready to contribute to the Texas Rangers in May. He has gone 39-25 with a 3.28 ERA since signing with Texas prior to the 2012 season.
