New York Mets star Max Scherzer was ejected from Wednesday’s game against the Los Angeles Dodgers after he got into a heated conversation with the officials about a substance on his hands.
Scherzer was subjected to a substance check between innings. The referees took a close look at the fingers of the three-time Cy Young Award winner. After some lively discussion, the umpires decided to throw Scherzer out and remove his glove.
New York Mets starting pitcher Max Scherzer (21) throws during the first inning of a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Los Angeles on Wednesday, April 19, 2023. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
SNY reporter Steve Gelbs noted on the game broadcast that Scherzer was «adamant» that it was «just rosin» on his fingers and nothing illegal on his hands.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Keith Hernandez added that he heard from one of the retired umpires that they were nearby, saying that the officials on the field didn’t like how sticky his hand was. They asked Scherzer to change his glove and gave him a warning. The second time they checked it they still weren’t happy with the stickiness of his hand and then threw it away, Hernandez said the referee told him.
The score was tied 0-0 in three innings. Scherzer had struck out three batters and allowed one hit.
Scherzer was tested for goo while with the Washington Nationals in 2021. He underwent multiple tests in a game against the Philadelphia Phillies.
Scherzer played for the Dodgers in 2021.
Before the 2023 season began, Major League Baseball asked umpires to focus on banned catch assists over concerns about increased spin rates.
New York Mets starting pitcher Max Scherzer (21) and manager Buck Showalter dispute a call from umpire Phil Cuzzi, center, and umpire Dan Bellino, right, after they found a problem with Scherzer’s glove during the fourth inning of a game in Los Angeles on Wednesday. , April 19, 2023. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
ASTROS ANNOUNCER APPEARS TO MAKE SUBTLE DIG AT BLUE JAYS’ ANTHONY BASS AFTER POPCORN FIASCO
“Unfortunately, spin rates began to increase again during the 2022 season and we received reports of continued use of foreign substances on the field,” Michael Hill, MLB’s senior vice president of on-field operations, wrote in a memo in March.
«Umpires have been directed to increase the frequency and extent of foreign substance tests this year, including random finger tests (including removal of rings worn on either pitcher’s hand). ), hands, hats, gloves, belts/waistbands, and pants Pitchers may be subject to screening before or after the innings in which they pitch, and managers may make inspection requests of a pitcher or position player before or after of an at-bat».
New York Mets starting pitcher Max Scherzer, left, is ejected from the game as he and manager Buck Showalter dispute a call by umpire Phil Cuzzi, center, and umpire Dan Bellino, right. Umpires found a problem with Scherzer’s glove during the fourth inning of a game in Los Angeles on Wednesday, April 19, 2023. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
The memo was also sent to owners, general managers, team presidents, general managers, field managers, and all major and minor league players.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
«Referees will also focus on suspicious player behavior that suggests the potential use of foreign substances,» Hill added. «For example, if an umpire observes a pitcher attempting to clean his hands before an inspection, the player may be subject to immediate ejection for violating the rules by attempting to conceal a foreign substance.»
Associated Press contributed to this report.