Houston Astros right-handed pitcher Ronel Blanco was ejected for the use of a foreign substance on his hand during a game against the Oakland Athletics. Blanco’s glove was confiscated and inspected by umpires, leading to his ejection. Major League Baseball cracked down on foreign substances in 2021 to address pitchers using sticky stuff to increase spin rates and reduce offensive opportunities. Blanco, who has been a standout player for the Astros this season, is now the sixth pitcher to be ejected for foreign substances since the crackdown began. He is likely to face a 10-game suspension as a result.
The crackdown on foreign substances gained attention last year when Max Scherzer and Domingo German were also ejected and suspended for using illegal substances on the mound. Scherzer, then with the New York Mets, argued that he was only using a combination of sweat and rosin, both legal substances. However, umpires deemed the feel on his hands to be inconsistent with just sweat and rosin. German, who had a perfect outing before his ejection, ironically threw a perfect game the following month. The use of foreign substances by pitchers has become a contentious issue in the league, as it affects game play and fairness for all teams.
Blanco’s ejection is a setback for the Astros, who have had a disappointing start to the season after making the ALCS seven straight seasons. Despite Blanco’s strong performance with a no-hitter in his first start and a 2.08 ERA, the team has struggled to find consistency on the field. Blanco’s ejection adds to the challenges the Astros are facing this season as they try to turn their performance around. The team will need to regroup and adjust without Blanco on the mound for the duration of his suspension.
The use of foreign substances by pitchers has been a topic of conversation in baseball, as it can impact the game and player performance. With MLB cracking down on these substances, pitchers like Blanco are facing consequences for violating the rules. The goal of the crackdown is to ensure fair play and maintain the integrity of the game. As Blanco serves his suspension, the Astros will need to rely on other players to step up and fill the gap left by his absence. The repercussions of using foreign substances extend beyond individual players to affect the overall competitiveness and fairness of the sport.
Blanco’s ejection during the game against the Athletics highlights the ongoing challenges and controversies around foreign substances in baseball. The impact of these substances on the game, as well as the consequences for players who use them, are significant issues that the league continues to address. As teams navigate the fallout from ejections and suspensions, they must adapt and make adjustments to maintain their competitiveness. The Astros, in particular, will need to rally together and overcome the obstacles they face this season in order to get back on track and pursue their goals in the league.
