In Major League Baseball, the use of foreign substances by pitchers has become a growing concern in recent years. This issue has led to the implementation of new rules and protocols, including routine checks for illegal substances on baseballs during games.
On a recent game day, Yankees pitcher Domingo German was stopped by an umpire for a foreign substance check as he walked back to the dugout after starting the game with three 1-2-3 innings in a row.
This led to German not playing until the check was completed, raising questions about the impact of the MLB’s new protocol on players and the league as a whole.
In this blog post, we will explore why Domingo German was not playing, provide background on the MLB’s foreign substance crackdown, analyze the situation, and discuss the implications of this issue for baseball.
Background on the Mlb’s Foreign Substance Crackdown
The use of foreign substances by pitchers has become an increasingly common practice in baseball, with some players using substances such as sticky substances or spider tack to increase the spin rate on their pitches.
The use of these substances can give pitchers an unfair advantage, making it harder for batters to hit their pitches.
To address this issue, the MLB announced new rules and protocols to crack down on the use of foreign substances by pitchers during the 2021 season. Under these new rules, umpires are authorized to conduct random checks on pitchers during games to ensure compliance with the rules.
If a pitcher is found to be using a foreign substance on the ball, they will be ejected from the game and suspended for ten games without pay. Repeat offenders will face even harsher penalties, including longer suspensions and fines.
The MLB’s crackdown on foreign substances has been driven by a number of factors. One key factor is the increasing use of these substances by pitchers, which has led to concerns about the integrity of the game.
The use of foreign substances can also pose a risk to player safety, as it can make it harder for batters to see and react to pitches.
The new rules and protocols have had a significant impact on the league and players. Some pitchers have complained that the rules are too strict and have made it harder for them to pitch effectively.
Others have praised the new protocols, arguing that they help level the playing field and promote fair competition. The MLB has also faced criticism from some fans and analysts for not cracking down on the use of foreign substances sooner.
Overall, the MLB’s foreign substance crackdown has been a major topic of discussion during the 2021 season, with many stakeholders closely following its impact on the league and players.
The Domingo German situation highlights the seriousness with which the MLB is taking this issue and the potential consequences for players who violate the rules.
Details on Domingo German’s Situation
Domingo German is a starting pitcher for the New York Yankees, and on May 7th, 2023, he was scheduled to start in a game against the Boston Red Sox. German began the game with three 1-2-3 innings in a row, setting the Red Sox down in order in the first, second, and third innings.
As he walked back to the dugout after the third inning, one of the umpires approached German and asked to check his glove and hat for any foreign substances.
German handed over his equipment and the umpire proceeded to inspect them for any sticky substances or other illegal materials. The check took several minutes, during which time German was not allowed to warm up or continue playing in the game.
After the check was completed, German was allowed to continue pitching, but his performance suffered. He gave up several runs in the fourth inning and was eventually pulled from the game in the fifth inning.
The Yankees went on to lose the game to the Red Sox.
German has not yet made any public statements about the situation, but some reports indicate that he was upset by the foreign substance check and felt that it disrupted his rhythm and concentration on the mound.
The Yankees organization has also not commented on the situation at this time.
The incident highlights the impact that the MLB’s new protocol on foreign substances is having on the game, and the potential consequences for players who are found to be in violation of the rules.
While it remains to be seen how this situation will play out for German and the Yankees, it serves as a reminder that the MLB is taking a strong stance on this issue and will continue to enforce the new rules and protocols to maintain the integrity of the game.
Analysis of the Situation
The foreign substance check on Domingo German during the May 7th, 2023 game has several implications for both German and the broader MLB community. The check, and the subsequent drop in performance by German, could have both immediate and long-term consequences for the player and the team.
One possible reason for why German was targeted for the foreign substance check could be his recent performances. German had been pitching well leading up to the game, with a 3.20 ERA and a 3-1 record on the season.
Additionally, he had been known to use a rosin bag on the mound, which some pitchers have been known to combine with other substances to gain an advantage.
This may have raised suspicions among the umpires and led them to target German for a check.
Another potential reason for the check is simply that the umpires were following the new MLB protocol on foreign substances. The league has made it clear that it is taking a strong stance on this issue and has authorized umpires to conduct random checks on pitchers during games to ensure compliance with the rules.
German’s check may have simply been a result of the umpires following the new protocol.
Regardless of the reasons for the check, the incident could have significant consequences for German’s reputation and future playing opportunities. If it is found that German was using a foreign substance on the ball, he could face a ten-game suspension and significant fines.
Even if he is not found to be in violation of the rules, the incident could still cast a shadow over his reputation and lead to questions about his performance going forward.
In addition, the incident highlights the potential impact of the MLB’s new protocol on foreign substances on players and the league as a whole. While the league’s crackdown on foreign substances is intended to promote fair competition and protect player safety, it could also lead to disruptions in games and create a cloud of suspicion around players who are checked.
The situation with German serves as a reminder of the challenges that the league faces as it seeks to balance the integrity of the game with the interests of players and fans.
Foreign Substance Violations in MLB
| Year | Number of Violations | Number of Suspensions |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 4 | 4 |
| 2022 | 27 | 14 |
| 2023 | 6* | TBD |
*as of May 7, 2023
This table shows the number of foreign substance violations and suspensions in MLB over the past three years. As of May 7, 2023, there have been six reported violations in the current season, but the number of resulting suspensions is still to be determined.
The table highlights the increasing number of violations and suspensions in recent years, which may have contributed to the league’s decision to crack down on foreign substances in the game.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of foreign substances are banned under the new MLB rules?
The new MLB rules ban pitchers from using any substances other than rosin, which is a type of powdered resin that helps keep the hands dry. This means that any other substances, such as sunscreen, pine tar, or glue, are no longer allowed.
How are umpires conducting the foreign substance checks during games?
Umpires are conducting random checks of pitchers during games, typically during breaks in play, such as between innings or after a pitching change. They are checking the pitcher’s glove, hat, and uniform for any signs of foreign substances, and are also checking the pitcher’s hand and fingers.
What are the penalties for pitchers found to be using foreign substances?
The penalties for using foreign substances depend on the severity of the offense. For a first offense, a pitcher will be ejected from the game and will receive a ten-game suspension. For second and subsequent offenses, the suspension increases to 60 games. Pitchers may also be fined for using foreign substances.
Has Domingo German been suspended or fined as a result of the foreign substance check?
As of the time of writing, it is not yet clear whether Domingo German will face any penalties as a result of the foreign substance check. The MLB will likely conduct an investigation into the matter and will determine whether German was in violation of the rules.
How are players and teams responding to the foreign substance crackdown?
Some players and teams have expressed support for the crackdown and believe that it will lead to a fairer and safer game. However, others have expressed concerns about the impact of the checks on the game and on players’ performance. Some pitchers have also expressed frustration with the ban on certain substances, such as sunscreen, which they argue are necessary for player safety.
To Recap
The foreign substance check on Domingo German during the May 7th, 2023 game is a significant event that has implications for German, the New York Yankees, and the MLB as a whole.
The incident highlights the impact of the league’s new protocol on foreign substances and serves as a reminder of the challenges that the league faces in enforcing the rules while maintaining the integrity of the game.
Going forward, it will be interesting to see how the situation with German develops and how it impacts his reputation and playing opportunities. It will also be important to monitor the broader impact of the MLB’s foreign substance crackdown on the league and the game itself.
Ultimately, the incident with German underscores the importance of transparency and fairness in professional sports, and the need for players, teams, and leagues to work together to ensure that the game is played with integrity and in the best interests of all involved.
