Sports betting hurt more than just the wallet for one MLB pitcher, who’s now back after a year away from the game.
A’s pitcher Michael Kelly was suspended last June for one year after it was discovered he bet $99.22 on MLB games in 2021.
The wagers were all placed in just 12 days while he was a minor leaguer in the Astros’ organization, as he bet on nine MLB games, three of which involved Houston.
Kelly, who has now returned to the A’s and pitched in two games this June, said he gets why MLB came down with the punishment.
“Regardless of what it looks like, how it was, I think fans and teams and players, everyone needs to trust the integrity of the game,” Kelly told The Athletic this week. “So, because of that, I understand why they did what they did.”
Three other players were caught and suspended for the same reason last summer, and one other player, Padres infielder Tucupita Marcano, was banned from the sport for life.
However, instead of dwelling on his punishment, Kelly said he decided to make the most of his time away from the game.
With the help of former major league pitchers Josh Tomlin and Steven Hill, Kelly created a training facility to help teach and train younger players.
The creation of the facility helped him stay involved with the game he loved and missed.
But soon the time came for him to return to the field, with the A’s welcoming him back.
“There was some excitement. Warm welcomes, for sure,” Kelly said about his return to the A’s.
Since Kelly has come back, he has pitched 1 2/3 innings in relief and has only let up one hit with two strikeouts
Kelly said that he’s set some goals for the rest of his season and career.
“For me, it’s just showing my love for the game… competing and being the best competitor I can be,” Kelly added.