In a recent game against the Chicago Cubs, New York Mets closer Edwin Diaz found himself at the center of controversy. He was ejected from the game by crew chief Vic Carapazza before even taking the mound in the bottom of the ninth inning. The reason? He was found to have an illegal substance on his pitching hand leading to a 10-game suspension.
Carapazza reported that the substance on Diaz’s hand was extremely sticky and discolored, clearly not the usual rosin and sweat combination. Diaz, on the other hand, claimed innocence and stated that he only uses rosin, sweat, and dirt for grip on the ball. Despite his protests, the presence of the foreign substance on his hand was enough to warrant an ejection.
Major League Baseball has been cracking down on pitchers using foreign substances other than rosin as they provide an unfair advantage by improving grip and spin on the ball. This crackdown has been enforced in recent years in an attempt to maintain fairness and integrity in the game.
As a result of the ejection, Diaz now faces a 10-game suspension for the use of an illegal substance. While he has the option to appeal, he expressed uncertainty about pursuing that course of action. This suspension will undoubtedly impact both Diaz and the Mets, with the team having to play short a man for the duration of his suspension.
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza expressed disappointment over the situation but acknowledged that the team must move on and adapt in Diaz’s absence. Players like Drew Smith and Jake Diekman stepped up in the game following Diaz’s ejection, highlighting the need for a collective effort in his absence.
This incident adds to Diaz’s struggles this season, with only seven saves and a 4.70 ERA. He has faced setbacks, including missing the entire previous season due to a knee injury and a recent stint on the injured list for a shoulder issue. These challenges have undoubtedly impacted his performance on the field.
Edwin Diaz’s suspension highlights the ongoing issue of pitchers using illegal substances in Major League Baseball. The incident serves as a reminder of the consequences players face for violating the rules and the impact it can have on both individual careers and team dynamics. As the MLB continues to enforce strict regulations, players like Diaz must adhere to the guidelines to maintain the integrity of the game.