New York Mets closer Edwin Díaz was ejected from a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs on June 23, 2024, after umpires found his pitching hand to be excessively sticky during a routine check. The substance on Díaz's hand was not identified as rosin and sweat but rather something much stickier. This is the third time a Mets pitcher has been ejected for using foreign substances in the last 15 months, joining Max Scherzer and Drew Smith.
According to MLB rules, rosin, a legal substance used by pitchers for grip, can become illegal if used in excess. The league has cracked down on the use of sticky substances due to their impact on the ball's aerodynamics and spin rate.
Díaz was taken aback by his ejection and claimed he only uses rosin, sweat, and dirt on his hands for grip. He argued that the substance found on his hand was not illegal but rather a natural combination of elements. However, crew chief Vic Carapazza and fellow umpire Alex Tosi were convinced otherwise.
The ejection came in the ninth inning with the Mets leading 5-2, forcing manager Carlos Mendoza to bring in Drew Smith and Jake Diekman to finish the game. Díaz will now face an automatic 10-game suspension for violating MLB's foreign substance rules.
The incident marks a setback for the Mets, who have been performing well this season with a record of 42-28. The team has relied on Díaz as their closer since his return from injury earlier in June. His absence will force the team to adjust and find alternative options to secure saves.
The MLB's crackdown on sticky substances is not limited to the Mets, as other teams have also faced suspensions for similar violations. The league aims to maintain a level playing field and ensure fair competition among all teams.
