What a sticky mess.
MLB has laid down a 10-game suspension on New York Yankees pitcher Domingo Germán after umpires found that he had an excessive amount of sticky substances on his hand during a Tuesday night start against the Toronto Blue Jays.
James Hoye, who was the umpiring crew chief of the game, checked out the right hand of Germán prior to the bottom of the fourth inning, and after doing so, ruled that the substance that he was using was too sticky. Consulting with the rest of his crew, Hoye said the other umpires in the game also felt Germán’s sticky hand was excessive.
Germán released a statement on the suspension:
“I was informed by MLB that I am being suspended 10 games because of my ejection on Tuesday. I discussed the appeal process with the MLBPA and my team. learned that the appeal decision is made by MLB, not through a neutral arbitration process — so l do not believe I have a chance to win an appeal.
“The Yankees asked that I accept the 10-game suspension so that I can begin serving it immediately and return to the mound as soon as possible. Therefore, I am opting to accept my suspension.”
MLB suspended Yankees right-hander Domingo Germán for 10 games after he was ejected from Tuesday night’s game for using too much sticky stuff. The 30-year-old will not appeal the ban, which he will begin serving when the Yankees play the Toronto Blue Jays. https://t.co/hLDqBYkxYb
— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) May 18, 2023
Here is the incident if you missed it:
Yankees pitcher Domingo German has been thrown out of the game after a substance check
(via @Sportsnet)pic.twitter.com/5B2mMZydg2
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) May 17, 2023
I’ve already stated my opinion on Domingo Germán and where I stand on his situation.
You can read that here:
During Tuesday night’s game between the Yankees and Blue Jays, NY pitcher Domingo German ended up being ejected after an umpire caught him using a foreign substance — this just a day after the Aaron Judge incident.
Here’s my latest from the @DailyCaller: https://t.co/j6DearhgKK
— Andrew Powell (@AndrewPowellDC) May 17, 2023
To summarize, it’s pretty hard to defend someone who gets blatantly caught not once, but twice, with foreign substances, so even though I love the New York Yankees brand (and just defended Aaron Judge over the side-eye nonsense) and embrace extra leverage for athletes, I can’t defend Germán for — at the end of the day — breaking the rules that are set in place. (RELATED: Justin Verlander Slammed With Boos From Mets Fans In His Citi Field Debut)
Such an easy decision for MLB to make. All they did was take care of the brand.