(AUDACY) MLB had its first sticky substance ejection Sunday.
Seattle Mariners left-hander Hector Santiago was ejected with one out in the bottom of the fifth inning of his team's game against the Chicago White Sox following a foreign substance inspection after he was being removed from the game for another reliever.
Home plate umpire Phil Cuzzi made the decision, and the umpires kept his glove, which was placed in a plastic bag for further inspection.
It marked the first incident since MLB decided it would begin harsher enforcement of pitchers using foreign substances, which began last Monday. Umpires now check pitchers as they come off the mound at the end of innings or when they get removed.
A 10-year veteran who had previous stints with the White Sox, Angels and Twins, Santiago had pitched 2 1/3 innings of relief, allowing one run on three hits while striking out four and walking two batters in his appearance. He left the game with the Mariners leading the White Sox, 2-1.
MLB’s decision to crack down on pitchers using foreign substance has been a major talking point over the season, particularly in the last week.
On Tuesday, the issue appeared to turn into a circus after Nationals ace Max Scherzer was inspected three times, including once at the request of Phillies manager Joe Girardi, which led to some heated moments on the field.
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said last week he believed that the enforcement of the rule had been going “very well.”
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