A’s Reinstate Michael Kelly After 1 Year Ban

by Amelia Walker, June 09, 2025

Michael Kelly has returned to the Oakland Athletics following a one-year suspension for betting on baseball games, which earned him only $28.

Only $28 Gain From $100 Bets

On Thursday, June 5th, the Oakland Athletics made multiple roster changes, including the reinstatement of right-hander Michael Kelly, who is back after completing a one-year ban for violating Major League Baseball’s gambling policy.

Kelly, now 32 years old, was initially suspended, along with San Diego Padres’ Tucupita Marcano, the Diamondbacks’ Andrew Saalfrank, and two minor leaguers, after an MLB investigation into sports betting violations.

The harshest penalty was given to Marcano, who received a lifetime ban for betting on baseball. On the other hand, Kelly was given a one-year suspension after MLB found he had placed 10 bets totaling less than $100 in October 2021 while part of the Houston Astros’ minor league system.

MLB’s investigation found that Kelly did not bet on games involving his team and ended up with a modest profit of just $28, winning five of his ten wagers. Before his suspension, he was having a strong 2023 season with Oakland, posting a 3-2 record and a 2.59 ERA across 28 relief appearances and 31 1/3 innings.

A Good Time for His Return

Kelly’s return is crucial for the A’s, whose bullpen has been struggling with a league-worst 6.28 ERA. Manager Mark Kotsay has experimented with various strategies, including using openers in recent games, but none have been successful.

During a rough 27-game stretch, the A’s bullpen had nine losses and nine blown saves. Kelly, who posted a 2.59 ERA over 28 appearances before his suspension, is trusted by manager Mark Kotsay, so much so that Kotsay recently found out he’s the godfather of Kelly’s daughter.

“When he walked out the clubhouse, I told him to be focused on getting through this time and continue to prep to be back in a uniform and contribute. To have him in a game today and to see him have success. It couldn’t have been a better part of the day.”

– Mark Kostay, manager

Conclusion

As the A’s look to steady their bullpen and salvage what has been a difficult time, Kelly’s return brings both stability and a trusted presence. With the support of his manager and a renewed opportunity, Kelly now has the chance to pick up where he left off and help anchor a struggling team.