New York Mets pitcher Max Scherzer was off to a fantastic start in Wednesday’s game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, with only one hit allowed and three strikeouts to his name. However, his winning streak was abruptly cut short when umpires discovered a potential violation of Major League Baseball’s rules against using sticky substances.
The incident began in the third inning when crew chief Phil Cuzzi examined Scherzer’s glove and decided the pitcher needed to use a different one. Matters escalated in the bottom of the fourth inning when Scherzer was inspected once more, this time focusing on his hand; despite Scherzer’s protests that it was “just rosin,” both he and Mets manager Buck Showalter’s arguments fell on deaf ears, and Scherzer was ejected from the game.
According to the Los Angeles Times, Scherzer was ejected for “having a foreign substance on his glove and a potential substance on his hand.” This situation raises concerns for the Mets, as a 10-game suspension for violating the rule could put a dent in their lineup, especially with pitchers Justin Verlander, Carlos Carrasco, and Jose Quintana already sidelined due to injuries.
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time a pitcher has faced scrutiny for potentially using sticky substances. Just last week, New York Yankees pitcher Domingo Germán was inspected and told to wash his hands due to an excessive amount of rosin. Furthermore, Phil Cuzzi has a history of making such calls; in 2021, he was the first umpire to eject a pitcher for violating the ban on sticky substances.
The use of sticky substances in baseball is a contentious issue, as pitchers often use them to increase the spin rate or RPM on their pitches, making it more challenging for opposing batters to track and hit the ball. While the rules are in place to ensure fair play, it’s essential that umpires exercise discretion and judgment in their enforcement.
The Mets went on to win the game 5-3, but the ejection of Max Scherzer raises questions about the fine line between maintaining the integrity of the game and potentially overzealous enforcement of rules. In a sport where every advantage matters, it’s crucial to strike the right balance between fairness and the competitive spirit that makes baseball so beloved.
