Mets ace Max Scherzer was ejected from Wednesday’s tilt against the Dodgers prior to the fourth inning after first base umpire Phil Cuzzi deemed Scherzer was using an illegal foreign substance.
As a result of the cause for his ejection, Scherzer faces an automatic 10-game suspension, for which there will be a hearing.
During the incident, New York’s starter could be seen pleading with Cuzzi, telling the umpire that the sticky substance was nothing more than a combination of sweat and rosin. His plea fell on deaf ears, however, as the 38-year-old ultimately was tossed.
There had been some question as to the precise reason for the ejection, specifically whether Cuzzi had booted Scherzer for using a foreign substance or for their argument at the mound.
It was reported after the game that the cause of Scherzer’s ejection was, in fact, the “sticky stuff” that Cuzzi flagged. As a result, the right-hander faces the 10-game suspension, something he’d have avoided if the reason for his ejection was deemed to be his animated outburst. Scherzer will have the right to appeal the suspension.
Showalter said Scherzer was ejected for rosin, not arguing. Here is the problem now for Mets: If umpire judgement on field was that it was a violation, it’s an automatic 10-game suspension. As said earlier, there would be a hearing.
— Andy Martino (@martinonyc) April 19, 2023
Scherzer is the third pitcher in MLB to be ejected for foreign substances since the rule was revised in 2021. Seattle’s Hector Santiago and Arizona’s Caleb Smith each were ejected during the 2021 season after failing foreign substance checks. Cuzzi was the umpire who made the call in each of those situations as well.
Over the weekend, Yankees starter Domingo German was investigated by umpires for potentially using a foreign substance, but he ultimately was allowed to remain in the game against Minnesota. Twins manager Rocco Baldelli subsequently was ejected for arguing the decision and blasted umpires for their handling of the situation.
