Photos and video circulating on social media seem to show that Chris Archer was using pine tar despite his denials.
Archer was part of a bench-clearing skirmish between his Pittsburgh Pirates and Cincinnati Reds on Sunday that seemed to be rooted in an admired home run.
Another issue stemming from that game was the accusations of pine tar usage by Archer during his start. Cincinnati’s broadcasters seemed convinced that Archer was using a foreign substance. This video seems to show Archer reaching around the middle of his belt after uncorking a wild pitch.
@LanceMcAlister Found the video Welsh was talking About earlier. Archer seemed to be using Pine Tar yesterday. pic.twitter.com/kO3q3dCzQQ
— Corey (@Falling_Nova) April 8, 2019
You good Chris Archer?pic.twitter.com/vZJO64XLyV
— Jass (@JBKinney19) April 7, 2019
A close look seemed to show a black substance right around the area Archer had reached.
Look at Archer’s Jersey.
Pine Tar? Or nah? pic.twitter.com/dbEOHk9tY9— Elise Jesse (@Elise_JesseWLWT) April 7, 2019
Some pitchers use foreign substances like pine tar or sunscreen to help get a better grip, which they can use to improve the movement on their pitches. Though many managers allow it because they know their guys do it too, some players have been ejected for using it.
Archer on Monday denied using pine tar and said he was reaching to his pants to help pull the drawstring to keep them up. You can decide whether you buy that or not. Such allegations are a poor reflection especially after Archer came out so harshly against cheaters in the Hall of Fame.
