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 ahead of the fourth inning after umpires found a foreign substance on his glove and tossed him from the game. Blanco tried to explain his case to the umpires, but they determined the glove to be too sticky. Manager Joe Espada spoke with umpires after the ejection, and the glove was removed from the field for inspection.
Major League Baseball has been cracking down on the use of “sticky stuff” by pitchers since the 2021 season. In a recent incident, then-New York Mets pitcher Max Scherzer was ejected from a game in 2023 for having a foreign substance on his glove. Despite Scherzer’s protestations that it was only rosin, a legal substance, he was ejected and subsequently suspended for 10 games. Blanco may face a similar suspension if it is determined that he was using an illegal substance while pitching. Blanco had been pitching well, with a 2.09 ERA and a 4-0 record in 47.1 innings pitched, and was responsible for the league’s only no-hitter this season.
After the game, umpires typically provide an explanation for ejections through the crew chief and a pool reporter. The Astros will also have an opportunity to share their side of the story. Major League Baseball will then review the incident to determine if the glove had a banned substance and potentially levy a suspension on Blanco. The Astros, who were 16-25 and in fourth place in the American League West, will have to navigate the fallout from Blanco’s ejection as they continue their season.
Blanco’s ejection is part of a larger trend in Major League Baseball to enforce rules regarding foreign substances on pitchers. The use of sticky substances has been a widely debated issue in recent years, with pitchers and teams facing penalties if caught violating the rules. The crackdown is aimed at ensuring a level playing field for all players and maintaining the integrity of the game. Blanco’s ejection serves as a reminder to players and teams about the consequences of using illegal substances while pitching and highlights the importance of following league rules and regulations.
Blanco’s ejection during the game against the Athletics adds a new twist to an already challenging season for the Astros. His absence from the pitching rotation due to a potential suspension will impact the team’s performance and may require adjustments to their roster. The Astros will need to regroup and continue their season without Blanco, while also addressing any concerns about compliance with league rules moving forward. The incident serves as a learning opportunity for the team and reinforces the importance of ethical conduct and fair play in professional sports.
