Ejection 082 - Seattle Pitcher Hector Santiago Ejected After Failed Foreign Substance Inspection

HP Umpire and Acting Crew Chief Phil Cuzzi ejected Mariners pitcher Hector Santiago after an MLB-mandated foreign substance inspection during a pitching change vs Chicago. Report: It was the first ejection of a pitcher under Major League Baseball’s new illegal substance enforcement policy, which went into effect 6/21/21, one week prior to this game. Santiago had pitched 2.1 innings of this restarted game (it was suspended the previous day) and was inspected pursuant to MLB’s protocol for pitching changes. Pine tar, spider tack, or even glue—the crew ejected Santiago after discussion amongst all four umpires, who determined an illegal substance was present in the heel portion of Santiago’s glove.