MLB Probing Marlins Pitcher Jarred Cosart for Alleged Gambling [Tweets]

Miami Marlins pitcher Jarred Cosart dips in hot water as the Major League Basketball (MLB) investigates into his possible involvement in sports-related gambling.

According to ESPN, the 24-year-old player allegedly had multiple direct message exchanges with a gambling authority via Twitter.

Using his Twitter account (deactivated as of press time), Cosart was telling another user that there should be no problem on their discussion because he "bets large." The conversation was shared by Twitter user Ghostfade Killah, instantly viral on social media.

A Chron report noted that Cosart was also referring to taking the "under" or "over" on a bet, explained as "a reference to a wager in which the gambler bets the total number of points will be more or less than a predetermined number."

MLB spokesperson Pat Courtney told ESPN that the commissioner's office is indeed looking into the pitcher's gambling-related issue. Reportedly, it is still unclear whether Cosart is only involved in baseball- or sports-betting in general. As per Rule 21 of the league, it is strictly prohibited to gamble on baseball.

ESPN quotes the rules:

"Any player, umpire, or club or league official or employee, who shall bet any sum whatsoever upon any baseball game in connection with which the bettor has no duty to perform, shall be declared ineligible for one year."

"Any player, umpire, or club or league official or employee, who shall bet any sum whatsoever upon any baseball game in connection with which the bettor has a duty to perform shall be declared permanently ineligible."

However, the MLB spokesperson explained that their players do not violate league rules if they legally gamble on sports other than baseball.

Upon checking on Twitter, ESPN said Cosart may have opened a new account, though it remains unconfirmed. The account owner reportedly claimed that his initial account was hacked, hence the creation of such direct messages.

The Marlins would not want to comment on the matter.

Meanwhile, Cosart's camp has not yet released any statement. Erik Burkhardt of Select Sports Group has not responded to phone calls and e-mail correspondence asking for comment.

In July 2014, Cosart moved from Houston to Miami in a seven-player trade, with him being placed in the starting rotation of the team this spring.