Mariners' Santiago ejected as part of foreign substance rule

Seattle Mariners relief pitcher Hector Santiago throws against the Chicago White Sox during the third inning in the first baseball game of a doubleheader in Chicago, Sunday, June 27, 2021. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh) (Nam Y. Huh, Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

CHICAGO – Seattle Mariners pitcher Hector Santiago became the first player to be ejected as part of Major League Baseball’s new foreign substance protocols when he was thrown out of Sunday's game against the Chicago White Sox.

Santiago was checked by the umpires as he exited in the fifth inning. His glove was confiscated, and it was later announced that Santiago had been ejected.

Recommended Videos



Santiago was charged with one run and three hits in 2 1/3 innings in the resumption of Saturday's game, which was postponed by rain.

Major league umpires last week started regular checks of all pitchers for sticky substances used to get a better grip on the balls, but can also increase the spin of the balls and make hitting them more difficult.

Santiago could be suspended for 10 games, but there is an appeals process.

___

More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/tag/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports