Max Scherzer ejected for screaming at umpire after sticky substance check (Video)

New York Mets starter Max Scherzer was ejected in Wednesday’s game vs. the Los Angeles Dodgers for arguing with umpires over a sticky substance check.

This past week, there was controversy over the use of sticky substances by pitchers, notably with New York Yankees ace Domingo German having rosin on his hand against the Minnesota Twins. But German was able to stay in the game. On Wednesday, there was another pitcher that was notably checked for sticky substances, and that was Mets ace Max Scherzer.

Early in the game, umpire Phil Cuzzi checked Scherzer’s glove and told him to switch it due to suspicion of sticky substances. Cuzzi then checked the ace’s new glove and gave his approval to use it.

But after the top of the fourth inning, Cuzzi checked Scherzer again, and apparently found what he deemed to be an illegal foreign substance. The starting pitcher was animated when speaking with the umpires, exclaiming “it’s rosin!” During the argument, Cuzzi ejected Scherzer from the game, after just four innings pitched.

Mets: Max Scherzer ejected over sticky substance check

While Scherzer was ejected, things could get even worse for him. If the umpires inform MLB that Scherzer was using an illegal substance, then he would face an automatic 10-game suspension. This is a rule implemented by the league to crack down on the use of illegal foreign substances to alter baseballs. But, Scherzer would have the right to appeal the suspension if that does happen.

This could not have come at a worse possible time for the Mets, as their rotation has been hammered by injuries. Free agent signing Justin Verlander has yet to make his debut with the team due to a low grade teres major strain and Carlos Carrasco is out due to elbow inflammation.

The Mets were banking on Scherzer to carry them to a series win over the Dodgers. Instead, they got a total of three innings, as he was thrown out for arguing over a sticky substance check.

Let’s just say that Scherzer’s comments after the game will be interesting.