Houston Astros pitcher Ronel Blanco has been suspended for 10 games and fined after being ejected for having a sticky substance in his glove during a game against the Oakland Athletics. The suspension was announced by MLB on Wednesday and Blanco will not be appealing. Umpires found the substance in Blanco’s glove during the fourth inning, with Astros manager Joe Espada stating that it was a mixture of sweat and rosin. Pitchers are only allowed to apply rosin to their pitching hand, making Blanco’s violation a clear breach of the rules.
Despite the suspension, Blanco had been performing well for the Astros, throwing the league’s first no-hitter of the season in his first start. He has a 2.09 ERA with 45 strikeouts and 21 walks in 47⅓ innings over eight starts. In the game against the Athletics, Blanco pitched three scoreless innings before being ejected, giving up four hits and one walk while striking out four batters. The suspension means the Astros will move to a five-man rotation, as they were previously using a six-man rotation.
Blanco’s sticky substance violation is the latest in a series of incidents following MLB’s crackdown on the use of foreign substances by pitchers. The league has been closely monitoring pitchers for violations, with Blanco’s case standing out as one of the most egregious they have seen so far. The suspension serves as a reminder to all players of the consequences of violating the rules, as MLB continues to enforce its policy on sticky substances for pitchers.
Astros general manager Dana Brown confirmed that Blanco will not be appealing the suspension, indicating that the team is accepting the disciplinary action. Blanco’s suspension began immediately, meaning he will be sidelined for the upcoming games as the Astros continue their series against the A’s. The team will have to adjust their rotation in his absence, relying on their remaining pitchers to step up and fill the void left by Blanco’s suspension.
As the situation with Blanco unfolds, it highlights the ongoing challenges faced by MLB in ensuring fair play and upholding the integrity of the game. With pitchers constantly seeking ways to gain an advantage on the mound, the league’s efforts to crack down on the use of sticky substances are crucial in maintaining a level playing field. The incident involving Blanco serves as a cautionary tale for other players, emphasizing the importance of following the rules and playing the game with honesty and integrity.
In conclusion, Blanco’s suspension for using a sticky substance in his glove during a game against the Athletics has brought attention to MLB’s efforts to enforce rules on foreign substances for pitchers. Despite his strong performance this season, Blanco’s violation has resulted in a 10-game suspension and a fine. The Astros will adjust their rotation in his absence, as they continue to compete in the AL West. The incident serves as a reminder of the consequences of violating MLB’s rules and the ongoing challenges faced by the league in maintaining fair play and integrity in the game of baseball.
