Houston Astros right-handed pitcher Ronel Blanco was ejected from a game against the Oakland Athletics for violating Major League Baseball’s foreign substance rules. Blanco was ejected before the top of the fourth inning after umpires found a foreign substance on his glove and proceeded to remove him from the game. Blanco attempted to explain to the umpires, but they deemed the glove too sticky and ejected him. His manager, Joe Espada, spoke with the umpires after Blanco’s ejection, and the glove was removed from the field for inspection by officials.
Umpires are required to check pitchers’ gloves after every inning, and Blanco’s glove may have become stickier as the game progressed. Major League Baseball has been cracking down on the use of “sticky stuff” since the 2021 season. Pitchers have been ejected and suspended for using illegal substances on their gloves, as was the case with Max Scherzer in April 2023. Scherzer was famously ejected from a game despite claiming that the substance on his glove was just rosin. Blanco is likely to face a similar 10-game suspension if it is determined that he was using an illegal substance while pitching.
Blanco was having a strong season with the Astros, boasting a 2.09 ERA and a record of 4-0 in 47.1 innings pitched. He also achieved the league’s only no-hitter of the season against the Toronto Blue Jays. The Astros, however, have been struggling with a 16-25 record and are in fourth place in the American League West. Following Blanco’s ejection, umpires are expected to provide an explanation for the ejection, and the Astros will be able to present their side of the story as well. Major League Baseball will ultimately decide whether Blanco used a banned substance and whether he will face a suspension.
Blanco’s ejection during the game against the Athletics highlights the ongoing issue of pitchers using illegal substances on their gloves to gain an advantage. The crackdown on “sticky stuff” by Major League Baseball aims to maintain fairness in the game and prevent pitchers from gaining an unfair advantage. Despite Blanco’s impressive performance this season, the use of illegal substances can tarnish a player’s reputation and result in suspensions and other penalties. The Astros will have to navigate this situation and potentially face a suspension for Blanco as they continue their season.
