Jun 21, 2021; New York City, New York, USA; Third base umpire Ron Kulpa (46) checks New York Mets starting pitcher Jacob deGrom (48) for foreign substances after the top of the first inning against the Atlanta Braves at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
New York Mets ace Jacob deGrom was checked by umpires for foreign substances during Monday’s game against the Atlanta Braves.
Last week, MLB sent out memos to all 30 clubs to let them know that they will be enforcing a ban on illegal foreign substances such as Spider Tack or rosin combined with sunscreen. Any pithcher who is caught using said substances would face a 10-game suspension with pay. Enforcement officially began on Monday, and umpires did not waste any time by checking arguably the best pitcher in the game.
During Monday’s game against the Atlanta Braves, New York Mets ace Jacob deGrom cruised through the top of the first inning by retiring the first three batters on just eight pitches. As deGrom headed to the dugout, he was stopped by the umpiring crew and checked for foreign substances. After review, deGrom passed inspection.
Mets: Jacob deGrom checked for foreign substances
Glove, hat and belt were all cleared by the officiating crew.
Just last week, deGrom left a dominant start due to shoulder soreness, something that has bettors worried about his odds to win the Cy Young. After an MRI, it was determined that the ace would not need to be placed on the injured list and was considered day-to-day. As it turns out, deGrom did not even miss his next scheduled start, which took place on Monday.
In the first game of a doubleheader against the Braves, deGrom struck out six batters and allowed just one hit in five innings of work. Not a bad day at the office for deGrom, who saw his ERA decrease to a ridiculous 0.50.
Baseball fans got a sneak peek of what the process will be like when it comes to the league enforcing the ban of foreign substances. Let the record show that deGrom cleared inspection.