New York Mets pitcher Max Scherzer was ejected from the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday after an umpire detected a “sticky substance” on his glove.  Last year MLB began cracking down on “foreign substances” being used by pitchers.  The only substance allowed is rosin; and even that may not be used in excess or applied directly to the glove.

As a result of the ejection, Scherzer has been suspended for 10 games and issued a fine of an undisclosed amount.  In reality, being a starting pitcher, Scherzer will miss only two or three games – depending on the rotation.  The suspension will have a big effect on the Mets pitching rotation due to being shorthanded with Justin Verlander, José Quintana and Carlos Carrasco already out due to injuries.

Umpires ejected Scherzer after just three innings for violation of the “sticky substance” rules after being warned.  Scherzer stated that all he used was sweat and rosin.

MLB issued a statement saying, “MLB reviewed relevant video and first-person reports, including a report from the umpiring crew led by Crew Chief Dan Bellino. Despite having been warned earlier in the game, including being required to make an equipment change, Mr. Scherzer was found to be in violation of the foreign substance prohibitions of the Official Baseball Rules prior to the bottom of the fourth inning.”