Photo by: 2021 George Kubas/Diamond Images via Getty ImagesHector Santiago, Seattle Mariners relief pitcher, was removed from Sunday's game against Chicago White Sox after an umpires' inspection for foreign substances during MLB's crackdown.ESPN's Jeff Passan reported that umpires found "something on his glove," which was then confiscated. This would have been the league's first violation of foreign substance laws since Monday's enforcement.Tom Hallion, Crew chief, explained why the crew was ejected after the game.Hallion stated to reporters that he was expelled because his glove had a sticky substance on its inside palm.Santiago said that he only used rosin."He claimed he felt sticky stuff inside the glove." Santiago stated that all Santiago used was rosin. Santiago said, "I used it both ways to prevent sweat from getting down my hands."MLB announced June 15 that it would establish a uniform standard for consistent application of the rules. This includes regular checks of all pitchers, regardless of whether a manager from an opposing team requests them.The new guidelines required that pitchers found to be contaminated with foreign substances were immediately ejected and that there was a 10-game suspension for any first violations.Every start is screened for starting pitchers. Managers can ask for additional inspections. After every outing, relievers are inspected.Rob Manfred, Commissioner of MLB, released a statement regarding the strict enforcement and implementation of the revised rules.After a lengthy process of repeatedly advising players without any effect, collecting information from former players and other sportspeople, and two months of extensive data collection, listening carefully to our fans, and thoughtful deliberation, it was clear that foreign substances must be enforced more strictly. While I am aware that there has been a history of foreign substances being used to the ball, what we see today is quite different. Tackier substances are being used more often than ever. It is clear that foreign substance use has evolved from a desire to have a better grip on the ball to something else. This unfair competitive advantage has created a lack in action and uneven playing fields.Santiago came into Sunday's game with a 2.45 ERA and 1.02 WHIP, along with 19 strikeouts in 14.2 innings. He had eight appearances for Mariners. He gave up one run in 2.1 innings against White Sox, one his former clubs.The 33-year old New Jersey native, who is also a member of Seattle and Chicago, has pitched for the Los Angeles Angels as well as the Minnesota Twins and New York Mets over a 10-year MLB career. In 2015, he was an Angels player and made it to the All-Star Game.
