AP Photo/Matt SlocumThe 2021 All-Star Game may not be for you if you are addicted to random checks for sticky substances on MLB pitchers.Joel Sherman, New York Post's editor, reported that the league is taking a more relaxed approach to the Midsummer Classic.Sherman noted that the All-Star Game is an exhibition and Sherman said that spot checks would "clearly create additional conversation around a hot-button topic when MLB will want to focus attention on the biggest stars of the game such as Ronald Acuna Jr. Shohei Ohtani, Fernando Tatis Jr."MLB umpires began checking for any signs of rule-breaking among concerns that pitchers may be using foreign substances to unfairly advantage against opposing hitters.It has resulted in some funny moments, like Max Scherzer, Washington Nationals ace, growing increasingly frustrated, and Sergio Romo from Oakland Athletics relief briefly disrobing.Hector Santiago, Seattle Mariners reliever, was the first to be ejected due to violating the new policy. He received a 10-game suspension which is currently being appealed.Sherman stated that there's no need for this practice to be used in the All-Star Game. This event does not determine who will have home-field advantage in World Series. It removes any stakes associated with the outcome.A pitcher who decides to give his pitch a spin on July 13 at Coors Field, Denver has little to lose.
