On April 8th, 2021, Washington Nationals pitcher Max Scherzer was suspended for 10 games after being ejected from a game against the Philadelphia Phillies. The incident occurred when Scherzer was seen using a foreign substance on the baseball during the game. This is a violation of Major League Baseball’s rules and regulations, and Scherzer was immediately ejected from the game.
The incident began when Scherzer was seen applying a sticky substance to his arm and the baseball. This substance is believed to be a combination of rosin and sunscreen, which is commonly used by pitchers to improve their grip on the ball. However, MLB rules prohibit the use of any foreign substances on the baseball. After being ejected, Scherzer was seen arguing with the umpire and had to be restrained by his teammates.
In response to the incident, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred issued a statement saying that “the use of foreign substances on the baseball is prohibited and any violation of this rule will be dealt with swiftly and severely.” He went on to say that “Max Scherzer has been suspended for 10 games for his actions and we expect all players to adhere to the rules of the game.”
The suspension is a significant blow to the Washington Nationals, as Scherzer is one of their best pitchers. He is a three-time Cy Young Award winner and has been an All-Star seven times. He has also been a key part of the Nationals’ success in recent years, leading them to a World Series title in 2019.
The suspension serves as a reminder that players must adhere to the rules of the game at all times. While it is understandable that players may want to gain an edge on the field, they must do so within the confines of the rules. The suspension of Max Scherzer should serve as a warning to all players that violations of MLB rules will not be tolerated.
