Major League Baseball Imposes 10-Game Suspension on Mets Closer Edwin Díaz for Sticky Substance Violation

Major League Baseball has enforced a significant 10-game suspension on New York Mets closer Edwin Díaz following a contentious ejection from a recent game against the Chicago Cubs for an apparent violation involving a sticky substance. The incident occurred during the bottom of the ninth inning at Wrigley Field, where Díaz was removed from the game by umpire Vic Carapazza.

Before entering the pitch, Díaz was subjected to an inspection by second-base umpire Brian Walsh, leading to his ejection after a thorough examination by the umpiring crew. The decision to remove Díaz for the presence of a banned grip-enhancing substance immediately triggered the automatic 10-game suspension, pending any appeals from the player.

Following Díaz’s ejection, Jake Diekman took over the closing duties for the Mets and in tandem with Drew Smith helped secure a victory over the Cubs. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza expressed confidence that the team would manage despite Díaz’s absence, as they gear up to face the Yankees and the Astros in upcoming games.

Carapazza clarified in a post-game interview that Díaz’s hand displayed signs of being excessively sticky and discolored, indicating a clear violation of the league’s regulations on grip-enhancing substances. This stringent enforcement comes in light of MLB‘s ongoing efforts to curb the prevalent use of Spider Tack and similar substances by pitchers.

Díaz, who returned this season after a knee injury sustained during the World Baseball Classic, faces scrutiny over his recent performance, holding a 4.70 ERA in 23 appearances. Notably, he joins a list of Mets pitchers who have faced suspensions for similar infractions, including former teammate Max Scherzer and the aforementioned Drew Smith.