MLB could suspend Max Scherzer after sticky stuff ejection
By Scott Rogust
New York Mets starting pitcher Max Scherzer could actually face suspension following his ejection for arguing with umpires during a sticky substance check.
Yet another New York starting pitcher was the subject of a illegal foreign substance check. But this time, a pitcher was actually ejected from the game. Mets ace Max Scherzer was ejected from Wednesday’s game against the Los Angeles Dodgers after arguing with the umpires during a check. This was notable, as Scherzer was told to replace his glove and the new one was given approval by first base umpire Phil Cuzzi. But, Cuzzi took issue with the new glove, which caused Scherzer to get irate, adamantly saying “it’s rosin.”
Scherzer’s stint on the mound Wednesday lasted just three innings, but he could be in danger of missing some time.
As USA Today’s Bob Nightengale points out, if the umpires in Wednesday’s game are to inform MLB that Scherzer did use what they deemed to be an illegal foreign substance, then he could face an automatic 10-game suspension.
Scherzer also now faces an automatic 10-game suspension if the umpires inform the MLB office that he indeed was ejected for having a foreign substance. He has the right to appeal. https://t.co/6VMHHj6zMK
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) April 19, 2023
Max Scherzer in danger of suspension over sticky substance controversy
This will be something worth monitoring once this Wednesday matinee game ends. From there, we should be getting comments from both Scherzer and Cuzzi.
Yankees starting pitcher Domingo German was part of some controversy regarding a sticky substance check. German was told by the umpiring crew to wash his hands, which had rosin on it. After a second check, there was still some on his hand. But, the umpires allowed Germán to stay in the game. Minnesota Twins manager Rocco Baldelli took issue with the decision, saying that he should have been ejected for not adhering to the warning. Baldelli ended up getting ejected.
That game’s crew chief, James Hoye, explained that he didn’t eject Germán because he didn’t feel that his pitching was being affected.
It’s important to note that rosin is a legal substance that pitcher’s are allowed to use on their hands, wrists and forearms, but “they are prohibited from applying it to their gloves and uniforms” and can’t combine it with any other substance, via MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand.
We should learn more about what could happen after this game, and we’ll be sure to keep you posted.
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