Despite the Mets' 5–3 win over the Dodgers on Wednesday, the focus after the game was on the ejection of ace Max Scherzer.
New York's ace was adamant he was not cheating or using any foreign substance despite crew chief Phil Cuzzi’s decision to throw him out of the game after finding a sticky substance on his glove. More perplexing was that Scherzer’s glove was inspected and the three-time Cy Young winner was ordered to change it just one inning prior.
During postgame interviews, the star pitcher said he would have to be an 'idiot' to come back out in the fourth inning using an illegal substance [knowing an inspection was imminent].
“I knew I was going to be checked going into the fourth inning by the umpires, I'd have to be an absolute idiot to use anything. I literally went out there with sweat and rosin, and I got ejected,” said Scherzer, who even went as far as to proclaim: "I swear on my kids' lives, I'm not using anything else. It was sweat and rosin. Sweat and rosin."
Max Scherzer knew he would be checked going into the 4th inning by the umpires:
— SNY (@SNYtv) April 19, 2023
"I'd have to be an absolute idiot to use anything else. I literally go out there with sweat and rosin, I get ejected." pic.twitter.com/BCWZifKxwY
SNY’s Andy Martino reported that per MLB rules, “rosin alone can be a foreign substance.“
Per MLB Rules, rosin alone can be a foreign substance. The wording: “No player shall intentionally discolor or damage the ball by rubbing it with soil, rosin, paraffin, licorice, sand-paper, emery- paper or other foreign substance.”
— Andy Martino (@martinonyc) April 19, 2023
Also, rosin not allowed on gloves.
The dominant righthander faces an automatic 10-game suspension, but will have the opportunity to appeal.
This is a “sticky situation” that will take some time to clear up, but on the surface the Mets are likely looking at being without the services of their top pitcher in the immediate future.
