In yet another crackdown on prohibited grip aids, Yankees pitcher Domingo Germán was ejected from Tuesday’s game against the Toronto Blue Jays for using a foreign substance on the ball. Germán denied the accusation, but his hand was seemingly “sticky” when examined by an umpire. The ejection is the fourth in Major League Baseball since its crackdown on the use of foreign substances was initiated two years ago and the second this season.
In recent times, the MLB has increased its vigilance over foreign substances, as the league looks to keep the game as level as possible. Throughout the game, MLB officials monitor pitches for spin rate variation, and umpires have the authority to perform thorough checks on players and their equipment.
Germán claimed he used only the rosin bag, which is the only sticky substance allowed under the MLB rules and is used by pitchers to absorb sweat from their hands. However, his hand was found to be “the stickiest I’ve ever felt,” according to umpire James Hoye, who was part of the inspecting crew.
The incident occurred during a rather intense game, with the Blue Jays dugout exchanging words with the Yankees’ third base coach, Luis Rojas, regarding his position in the coach’s box. Blue Jays manager John Schneider has complained to Major League Baseball about the position of the New York base coaches, but Yankees manager Aaron Boone said nothing done in the game was against the rules.
Despite the controversy, Germán’s spin rates Tuesday night were in line with his season averages, indicating a possible absence of a foreign substance. Germán could still face a 10-game suspension as foreign-substance ejections come with an automatic suspension of ten games, though he can appeal.
Germán has apologized to his teammates and admitted he put them in a “tough position”. His ejection for the use of sticky stuff on the ball went unnoticed by the Blue Jays, as the Yankees won 6-3, hitting multiple home runs in the game.
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