New York Mets closer Edwin Diaz was ejected without throwing a pitch against the Chicago Cubs on Sunday.
Diaz was ejected after umpires checked his hands for an illegal sticky substance in the top of the ninth inning at Wrigley Field.
Umpire Brian Walsh waved as Diaz emerged from the dugout and inspected him on the mound. The Mets led the Cubs 5-2 when the break occurred.
Walsh called other officials to inspect Diaz’s hands and glove after a quick conversation with the pitcher. They then unanimously decided to expel Díaz from the contest.
The ESPN broadcast obtained a close-up of Diaz’s right hand, which showed visible amounts of a foreign substance.
Edwin Díaz was ejected against the Cubs for having an unknown sticky substance on his hand
The ESPN broadcast got a close-up of the foreign substance as Diaz attempted to protest.
Diaz appeared to protest after Mets captain Carlos Mendoza came to talk to the umpires before his teammate was eventually ejected.
The expulsion puts Diaz in an unfavorable position, since being ejected for sticky substances carries an automatic 10-game suspension.
If they give it to him, Díaz will not have the right to appeal the suspension.
Drew Smith entered the game in place of Diaz after being sent back to the clubhouse and got the first two outs of the final inning. Jake Diekman was brought in to end the game.
The Mets held on for a 5-2 victory for their ninth win in their last 11 games.
After Diaz was ejected, the Mets managed to maintain their 5-2 lead and secure the victory.
Jake Diekman was brought in to end the game after Drew Smith played in place of Diaz.
The incident came as Diaz seemed to finally turn things around after a difficult start to the season. His initial slump caused Diaz to lose the closer role at one point on the Mets’ injured list.
Diaz recorded three straight scoreless outings after returning from the IL.
Additionally, he is now the third Blue and Orange pitcher to be ejected for violating the sticky rule in MLB, joining Max Scherzer and Smith.
The Mets are in fourth place in the National League East with a record of 37-39.
