ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

MLB asking umpires for more random checks of pitchers for sticky substances

Mar 27, 2022, 10:00 AM

Umpire D.J. Reyburn (R) inspects the hat and glove used by pitcher Joe Mantiply #35 of the Arizona ...

Umpire D.J. Reyburn (R) inspects the hat and glove used by pitcher Joe Mantiply #35 of the Arizona Diamondbacks during the seventh inning of the MLB game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Chase Field on June 23, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Major League Baseball is asking umpires to make more random checks of pitchers for sticky substances after watching its crackdown become less effective late last season.

MLB instituted regular checks last June 21 for grip aids. Seattle’s Héctor Santiago was ejected on June 27 and Arizona’s Caleb Smith was tossed on Aug. 18, and both received 10-game suspensions.

“After an initial dip in spin rates as a result of the periodic checks, unfortunately the data showed that spin rates started to rise toward the end of the season as players grew accustomed to the circumstances of routine umpire checks,” MLB Senior Vice President of On-Field Operations Mike Hill wrote in a memorandum Friday to team owners, executives and managers, and all major and minor league players.

“As a result, umpires have been instructed to be more vigilant and unpredictable in the timing and scope of their checks during the 2022 season,” he said.

The memorandum, first reported by Sports Illustrated, was obtained by The Associated Press.

Last season, umpires checked all starting pitchers multiple times and all relievers either at the end of his first inning or when removed, whichever occurred first. Caps, gloves and fingertips were checked.

“We are working with the umpires in an effort to make inspections less invasive,” Hill wrote. “Rather than focusing on uniforms and belts, umpires have been given additional guidance to help them determine whether a pitcher’s hand or fingers contain a foreign substance in violation of the rules.”

“An umpire checking a pitcher for foreign substances will use his thumb to check for stickiness on the pitcher’s thumb, index finger, middle finger, and palm,” Hill wrote.

While the timing of checks with be more random, it appears the frequency will not change.

“Starting pitchers should continue to expect more than one mandatory check per game,” Hill wrote. “Each relief pitcher will be subject to at least one check when he enters the game, at the conclusion of the inning in which he entered the game, or when he is removed from the game. In general, inspections will be conducted between innings or after pitching changes to avoid a delay of the game and to allow the umpire to perform a thorough check of the pitcher.”

Fastball spin rates declined from an average of 2,323 revolutions per minute in May to 2,258 in June, according to Statcast data. Plans for the crackdown first emerged June 3 following an owners’ meeting.

While the average was 2,239 in July, it rose to 2,263 in September.

The major league batting average for the season dropped to .244, its lowest since the year of the pitcher in 1968.

“We now have extensive data, including testing by third-party researchers, which shows how the use of foreign substances on baseballs has a material impact on performance,” Hill wrote. “Specifically, foreign substances significantly increase the spin rate and movement of the baseball, providing pitchers with an unfair advantage over hitters that our playing rules were expressly designed to prohibit. We also learned about a dangerous side to foreign substances — that foreign substance use appears to be contributing to an overall decline in control because it enables a style of pitching in which pitchers sacrifice control in favor of spin and velocity.”

Velocity was virtually unchanged, increasing from 93.6 mph before June 3 to 93.7 mph after.

Teams must submit documentation in advance of each series for a pitcher to use a substance for a medical reason, such as to treat blisters, cuts or broken nails, although treatment is allowed for in-game medical issues.

“Catchers and position players may be subject to inspections based on the circumstances,” Hill wrote.

In addition, “an opposing manager may request that the umpire inspect the pitcher or a position player only if the manager (or a member of his team) observes behavior on the field consistent with the use of a foreign substance.”

Those checks would take place between at-bats, not during.

“A manager will be subject to discipline if he makes the request in bad faith (e.g., a request intended to disrupt the pitcher in a critical game situation, a routine request that is not based on observable evidence, etc.),” Hill wrote.

Comments

Comment guidelines: No name-calling, personal attacks, profanity, or insults. Please keep the conversation civil and help us moderate comments by reporting abuse.
comments powered by Disqus

Arizona Diamondbacks

Geraldo Perdomo of the Arizona Diamondbacks...

Haboob Blog

It would appear the D-backs’ Geraldo Perdomo is anti-Dodgers and pro-Padres in NLDS

If we're going by social media activity, Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Geraldo Perdomo is rooting for the San Diego Padres to beat the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLDS.

5 days ago

Diamondbacks...

Alex Weiner

Revisiting Diamondbacks offseason moves: Suarez trade, Pederson signing pay off

As the postseason continues before the stove heats up, let's revisit moves that aided or held back the D-backs in 2024.

5 days ago

Ketel Marte...

Alex Weiner

Diamondbacks’ Ketel Marte named finalist for Hank Aaron Award

MLB named Diamondbacks All-Star Ketel Marte a finalist for the Hank Aaron Award, which is handed out to the best offensive player of each league.

7 days ago

Diamondbacks...

Alex Weiner

List of Diamondbacks free agents, options entering offseason

The Diamondbacks cannot start making trades or signing players until after the World Series, but they have a list of valuable players with decisions to make.

8 days ago

Diamondbacks...

Alex Weiner

10 great moments from the Diamondbacks’ 2024 season

As the attention turns to 2025 and getting back into October, let's not forget what made the 2024 Diamondbacks so exciting.

9 days ago

Diamondbacks...

Alex Weiner

State of Diamondbacks’ lineup, pitching staff entering offseason

What does the Diamondbacks' roster look like heading into the offseason after it won 89 games and missed the postseason?

10 days ago

MLB asking umpires for more random checks of pitchers for sticky substances