LOS ANGELES – Max Scherzer implored it was just rosin, but the umpires had other ideas.
The Mets co-ace, returning from back discomfort that had delayed his start by three days, was ejected before the bottom of the fourth inning on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium, presumably under suspicion of using a sticky substance.
Scherzer was ejected by crew chief Phil Cuzzi, who an inning earlier had inspected Scherzer’s glove and ordered him to change it.
A displeased Scherzer returned to the mound with a new glove and pitched a perfect inning to keep the game scoreless.
But as Scherzer walked to the mound for the bottom of the fourth he was stopped by Cuzzi and plate umpire Dan Bellino, who examined his hand for sticky substances.
Scherzer repeatedly stated “It’s just rosin,” according to SNY.
During the heated discussion, Scherzer was ejected.
If Scherzer was indeed ejected for a sticky substance he faces a 10-game suspension, which would further weaken a rotation that already has three starting pitchers on the injured list.
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The MLB rule reads as follows: “No player shall intentionally discolor or damage the ball by rubbing it with soil, rosin, paraffin, licorice, sand-paper or other foreign substance.”
The penalty, according to the rulebook, is the umpire shall demand the ball and remove the offender from the game.
The offender is also automatically suspended for 10 games.
Last offseason, MLB’s on-field committee approved enhanced enforcement of the rules prohibiting the use of foreign substances by pitchers during this season.
Accordingly, umpires have been instructed to increase the frequency and scope of foreign substance checks this season.
Pitchers are subject to inspection before and after innings and managers may make such requests of a pitcher or position player before an at-bat.
In 2021, pitchers Caleb Smith and Hector Santiago were suspended for using foreign substances.
With Justin Verlander, Carlos Carrasco and Jose Quintana on the IL, the Mets can hardly afford to lose Scherzer.
