In a surprising turn of events, New York Mets closer Edwin Díaz has been handed a 10-game suspension along with an undisclosed fine by Major League Baseball after being found in violation of regulations regarding foreign substances. The suspension was initiated by MLB senior vice president of on-field operations Michael Hill and is expected to take effect on Tuesday, coinciding with the Mets’ game against the New York Yankees at Citi Field, unless Díaz opts to challenge the disciplinary action. Should Díaz choose to appeal to MLB special assistant John McHale Jr., the penalty will be put on hold until the process is concluded.
The suspension came on the heels of an incident during the Mets’ recent victory over the Chicago Cubs, where Díaz was expelled from the game by crew chief Vic Carapazza even before he had a chance to pitch in the ninth inning. Carapazza’s decision was spurred by the discovery of a sticky and discolored substance on Díaz’s right hand. Despite Díaz’s claims of using only rosin, sweat, and dirt for his grip on the ball, Carapazza stated that the substance in question was definitely not rosin and sweat, citing its stickiness.
Following the ejection, both Díaz and Mets manager Carlos Mendoza expressed their surprise at the umpire’s actions. While Díaz maintained his innocence, stating that he had always adhered to the same routine for enhancing grip, Mendoza acknowledged that the rules were the rules, and a decision had been made to remove Díaz from the game. This incident adds to Díaz’s struggles this season, where he has recorded just seven saves and a 4.70 ERA, coming off a previous season marred by injury.
Díaz now joins a growing list of pitchers who have faced suspensions for using foreign substances to gain an advantage in their performances. MLB’s heightened scrutiny on such practices began in 2021, resulting in several high-profile cases, including that of Max Scherzer and Drew Smith from the Mets last year, as well as Ronel Blanco of the Houston Astros in May. This crackdown aims to preserve the integrity of the game and ensure fair competition among all players.