Mets closer Edwin Diaz suspended 10 games being ejected excessive sticky stuff

Mets pitcher Edwin Díaz ejected for "sticky stuff" with 10-game suspension. MLB enforcing grip-enhancing substance rules. Díaz maintains innocence.

New York Mets closer Edwin Díaz found himself in hot water when he was ejected for using "sticky stuff" before pitching against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. This violation led to an automatic 10-game suspension, pending any appeal.

Major League Baseball confirmed the suspension on Monday, meaning Díaz could return to action on July 6 against the Pirates if he chooses not to appeal. The incident occurred as Díaz was warming up to face the Cubs in the bottom of the ninth. Umpire Brian Walsh noticed something amiss during his routine inspection of Díaz's hand and glove, prompting further scrutiny from the umpiring crew.

After a thorough inspection and discussion, crew chief Vic Carapazza made the decision to eject Díaz from the game. The pitcher was replaced by Drew Smith, who, along with Jake Diekman, secured a 5-2 victory for the Mets in the ninth inning.

Díaz defended himself to reporters after the game, stating that he had been checked before and allowed to pitch. However, Carapazza described Díaz's hand as "extremely sticky" and "discolored," indicating the use of a prohibited substance.

The league's crackdown on grip-enhancing substances began in 2021 to address widespread usage of substances like Spider Tack and pine tar. MLB has since increased enforcement of these rules, leading to suspensions for players like Smith and former Met Max Scherzer.

Díaz, who missed the entire 2023 season due to a knee injury, has struggled this year with a 4.70 ERA in 23 appearances. The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle against cheating in baseball and the consequences of using banned substances to gain an unfair advantage.