New York Mets closer Edwin Diaz was ejected without throwing a pitch against the Chicago Cubs on Sunday.
Diaz was ejected after officials checked his hands for an illegal sticky substance in the top of the ninth inning at Wrigley Field.
Umpire Brian Walsh made a flag with his hands as Diaz stepped out of the dugout and inspected him on the mound. The Mets led 5-2 against the Cubs when intermission occurred.
Walsh called for other officials to inspect Diaz’s hands and glove after a quick chat with the pitcher. They then unanimously decided to remove Diaz from the match.
The ESPN broadcast included a close-up of Diaz’s right hand, which showed visible amounts of a foreign substance.
Edwin Diaz was ejected against the Cubs for having an unknown sticky substance on his hand
The ESPN broadcast included 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 officials before his teammate was ultimately thrown out.
The expulsion puts Diaz in an unfavorable position, as receiving a sticky substance comes with an automatic 10-match suspension.
Should it be handed to him, Diaz 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 called in to put the game to bed.
The Mets held on for a 5-2 victory, recording their ninth victory in their last eleven games.
After Diaz was ejected, the Mets were able to hold on to their 5-2 lead and secure the victory
Jake Diekman was brought in to put the game to bed after Drew Smith played in place of Diaz
The incident came as Diaz appeared to finally be turning a corner after a rough start to his season. Due to his early slump, Diaz at one point lost the closer role on the Mets’ injury list.
Diaz had three consecutive scoreless performances after returning from the IL.
In addition, he is now the third pitcher for the Blue and Orange to be ejected for violating the sticky stuff rule in the MLB, joining Max Scherzer and Smith.
The Mets are fourth in the National League East with a 37-39 record.