Additional Coverage:
- Mets closer Edwin Díaz suspended 10 games after being ejected vs Cubs for foreign substance on hand (newsbreak.com)
NEW YORK — Edwin Díaz, the closing pitcher for the New York Mets, has been handed a 10-game suspension by Major League Baseball following his ejection from the team’s 5-2 victory over the Chicago Cubs, for utilizing a foreign substance during the game.
Díaz is now the eighth pitcher to face suspension for using such substances since the MLB’s reinforced scrutiny began in 2021, aiming to eliminate pitchers’ use of unauthorized materials to enhance their grip and spin. Among the suspended, three hailed from the Mets, including notable players Max Scherzer and Drew Smith from the previous season. The latest before Díaz was Ronel Blanco of Houston, who received his suspension on May 15.
The suspension, announced by MLB’s senior vice president of on-field operations, Michael Hill, is set to commence at the start of the Subway Series game against the New York Yankees at Citi Field on Tuesday, pending an appeal. Should Díaz opt to challenge the decision by appealing to MLB special assistant John McHale Jr., the enforcement of his suspension could be delayed until the appeal process has been concluded.
During Díaz’s absence, which could span nearly two weeks including the series against the Yankees followed by three games with Houston, the Mets will have to make do with a reduced roster.
The 30-year-old Díaz was removed from Sunday night’s game against the Cubs by third-base umpire Vic Carapazza before he could pitch, citing an unusual substance on Díaz’s hand, which appeared after an inspection. Both Díaz and Mets manager Carlos Mendoza attributed the substance to a mixture of rosin, sweat, and dirt. Carapazza, however, disagreed, stating the substance felt unusually sticky and unlike the typical mix.
Expressing his shock at the decision, Díaz defended his use of rosin and sweat, a combination he claims to have consistently used to improve his ball grip.
Following Díaz’s ejection, relief pitchers Smith and Jake Diekman stepped in, securing the Mets their fourth consecutive series win.
Díaz, who is bouncing back from a season missed due to knee surgery and an early-season stint on the injured list, had shown improvement in his performances following his return.
As the Mets have been on a winning stretch, winning 10 of their last 13 games and holding a strong performance through June, Mendoza remains optimistic about overcoming this challenge, emphasizing the team’s resilience and the readiness of other players to step up in Díaz’s absence.
Other players suspended for similar violations since 2021 include Héctor Santiago of Seattle, Caleb Smith of Arizona, Domingo Germán of the New York Yankees, and Robert Suárez of San Diego.