Edwin Diaz of the NY Mets received a 10-game suspension after being kicked off the team for sticky stuff

New York Mets closer Edwin Diaz was ejected by umpiring chief Vic Carapazza before throwing a pitch in the ninth inning of Sunday’s game against the Chicago Cubs after the umpiring crew checked for sticky substances.

Referee Brian Walsh made a preliminary inspection before each of the four judges assessed Diaz’s right hand and decided it was too sticky and sent him out of the game.

“They thought it was too much,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza told reporters. “Diaz kept saying it was rosin, sweat and dirt. Vic thought he had crossed the line at this point. Of course, rules are rules and they made the decision to throw him out.”

A day later, Major League Baseball imposed an automatic 10-game suspension for violating the league’s foreign substances policy. He has the right to appeal the suspension.

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MLB Rule 6.02 states that players may not “have on their person or in their possession any foreign substance.” Pitchers may wear a rosin bag on their hands, wrists and forearms, but may not wear it over their gloves or uniform. Diaz said he used the same substances — rosin, sweat and dirt — before heading into the ninth inning of the Mets’ 5-2 victory over the Cubs at Wrigley Field.

“I was really surprised because I had nothing on my hand, no glove, no belt. They always check my hat, everything,” Diaz told reporters. “They thought it was very sticky, so I said, ‘Hey, can you check my hand, smell my hand?’ They didn’t feel anything, but they kicked me out of the game.”

The Mets have previously had two pitchers suspended following on-field inspections for sticky substances: Max Scherzer and Drew Smith in 2023. In April, the Astros’ Ronel Blanco became the first pitcher in 2024 to be ejected and suspended following an inspection illegal substance.

“Of course it’s my first. Yes, we need to do a better job of summarizing the results,” Mendoza said. “These are the rules and this is a teachable moment. Diaz, of course, knew he was being quite honest with Vic. He said, ‘Hey, I’m the man here. I am honest”. But like I said, rules are rules.”

Now the Mets must face the fact that they will be no closer for the next three series and the series opener against the Pirates. If Diaz begins serving his suspension immediately, he will be eligible to return on July 6 against the Pirates.

“We’ve been through a lot this year and we’ll find a way to get through it,” Mendoza said. “We will continue to put it together and yes, the guys will have to step up. I’m pretty confident we’ll get guys here that will be able to get us to the finish line here when he’s down.”

Diaz was replaced by Smith in the save in the bottom of the ninth inning with the Mets leading by three runs. Smith was forced to warm up on the mound after a quick call to the bullpen. After recording two outs, Smith pointed to the dugout and was visited by Mendoza, but remained in the game.

“Just a little stiff,” Smith said. “I’m just having a little trouble warming up. I’ve been throwing a lot this week and I think I probably could have spent a little more time warming up to be completely honest. Nothing major, I’m just having trouble relaxing a bit.”

After Dansby Swanson scored, Jake Diekman came on to record the final out and make his third save of the season. With the victory, the Mets improved their record to 37-39 and won their fourth straight series

During Diaz’s previous absence due to a right shoulder blow, Mendoza has relied on Diekman, Reed Garrett and Adam Ottavino in high-leverage situations in the past. Recently, Dedniel Nuñez also appeared on the pitch.