Major League Baseball has promised to crack down on pitchers using foreign substances, and it appears they’re making actual progress toward doing so.
The league has yet to indicate how it plans to identify and punish any use of foreign substance, but the process going on behind closed doors sounds remarkably thorough. According to ESPN’s Buster Olney, umpires will check pitchers for foreign substances eight to ten times per game, a process that could begin within the next two weeks. The league has also essentially built scouting reports on pitchers, sometimes based on tips from opponents, noting where the pitcher might be keeping the substance.
Olney also adds that MLB is considering a penalty of ten days without pay for those who are violating the rules.
Just filed to ESPN:
Under the plan being swiftly advanced through MLB, umpires will be repeatedly and randomly check pitchers for foreign substances, in a push that could begin within two weeks. Estimates are there could be 8-10 checks per game — as pitchers depart games.— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) June 5, 2021
One of the really interesting details: MLB has essentially built specific foreign-substance scouting reports on pitchers throughout the sport, using video — some sent in by opposing players. Such as "On his belt, left side." One penalty being discussed: 10 days without pay.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) June 5, 2021
MLB has insisted that enforcement is coming. Some players are certainly skeptical of this given how long it’s gone on without any repercussions, but this certainly indicates a level of seriousness that has not previously existed.
