World Series: Rob Manfred says MLB is 'really vigilant on the issues surrounding legalized sports betting'

TORONTO — In front of the Blue Jays' dugout, two hours before Saturday night’s Game 2 of the World Series, was not the ideal time or place for Rob Manfred to discuss baseball’s gambling issues.

But the commissioner didn’t have much of a choice, given Thursday’s federal indictments alleging that a current NBA coach and player were among those involved in rigged illegal poker games and online sports betting schemes. Did those bombshell allegations  put baseball on a higher alert?

“We are and have been really vigilant on the issues surrounding legalized sports betting,” Manfred said. “Obviously, our No. 1 priority is to protect the integrity of the game. We think we have great systems in place that allow us to do that. In addition, we’ve worked really hard to provide resources to players to make sure that they are comfortable and have an outlet when they have a problem with respect to issues related to sports betting.”

MLB currently has a big problem of its own. Two relief pitchers for the Guardians — including All-Star closer Emmanuel Clase — have been suspended since late July and remain under investigation for allegedly fixing mid-game prop bets.

The mixed messages are deafening. MLB has paid sponsorships with numerous online sports books, featuring relentless ads during broadcasts and plastered all over ballparks, despite their inherent danger to the integrity of the game. And the risk will only grow.

“The most important thing we can do is make sure that we have systems in place that give us access to data, which puts you in a position to determine if there’s some aberration going on,” Manfred said. “Then, when you get that, you need to conduct a thorough investigation to make sure that you understand what caused that aberration. Then you need to discipline.”

Regarding other issues, Manfred  expressed confidence that MLB players will participate in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, a first for the sport. It likely would require tinkering with the schedule as well as the All-Star Game.

“I think that there are a lot of details that need to be worked out,” Manfred said. “We have made a lot of progress with LA 2028 in terms of the calendar. Right now, we’re in discussions with the Players Association about that set of issues.

“I’m positive about it. I think the owners have kind of crossed the line in terms of we’d like to do it if we could possibly make it work.”

By David Lennon

dave.lennon@newsday.comDPLennon

David Lennon is an award-winning columnist, a voter for baseball's Hall of Fame and has covered six no-hitters, including two perfect games.