Diamondbacks discuss Andrew Saalfrank’s one-year ban

Saalfrank made four bets on the Diamondbacks between 2021 and 2022, when he was on the injured list with the organization’s High-A affiliate in Hillsboro. He spent $445.87, with $444.07 coming on 28 MLB-related bets, none of which came in any games he appeared in. As part of his suspension, Saalfrank no longer counts toward the team’s 40-man roster, which now stands at 38 players.

“It’s a disappointing day for Andrew, for his teammates and I, for the organization,” said closer Paul Sewald, who appeared on the Burns and Gambo Show on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM Radio. “It’s disappointing for baseball to have people betting on baseball, we are all aware of the rules. That’s not who Saalfy is, that kind of surprised me when I found out. It’s disappointing and we’re frustrated that we’re not going to get to have him this year. When you think about it on his perspective, he made a mistake, he owned up to his mistake. Hopefully he will do some searching in the next year and hopefully comes back stronger than ever.”

Diamondbacks general manager Mike Hazen talked to Saalfrank about the situation, but manager Torey Lovullo has not. Lovullo spoke to the media, including ABC15 News, before Tuesday’s game to discuss the suspension.

“Andrew made a bad decision,” said Lovullo. “The rules are very clearly outlined, they are told to the players several times during Spring Training. The reason is simple, we have to protect the integrity of this game. Andrew knew that, he understood that, he made a really bad decision. What I do know is about the human being, I do know Andrew is remorseful, he made a mistake. He feels terrible, but he’s going to pay the correct consequences. He’s going to be suspended for one entire year away from his baseball team. That’s painful for him, and painful for us. So all we can do is continue to encourage him to do the right thing, learn from this, and we’ll see him again.”

Saalfrank will be eligible to play again next June after serving his one-year suspension from baseball.