MLB also attempted to debunk a theory that has long been put out there by those in the game (not just pitchers) that sticky substances help the pitcher control the ball better and reduce hit-by-pitches.
Per MLB, hit-by-pitches this season through May 31 were at the highest rate they've been over the last 100 years -- with part of that likely due to pitchers firing more high octane fastballs up in the zone.
Here are some of the highlights of the new rules via the memo...
- To ensure that enforcement of the rules is even and consistent, umpires have been instructed to perform checks periodically throughout the game of all starting and relief pitchers on both teams, regardless of whether they suspect a violation of the rules.
- Starting pitchers will have more than one mandatory check per game, and each relief pitcher must be checked either at the conclusion of the inning in which he entered the game or when he is removed from the game, whichever occurs first. In general, inspections will be conducted between innings or after pitching changes to avoid a delay of the game and to allow the umpire to perform a thorough check, including the hat, glove, and fingertips of the pitcher.
- A player who possesses or applies foreign substances in violation of the Playing Rules will be immediately ejected from the game and suspended (with the team not allowed to replace the suspended player on the roster). The umpiring crew shall be the sole judge as to whether the rules have been violated. The use of foreign substances is not subject to challenge using the replay review system. MLB cited prior precedent for the length of a first suspension being 10 games.
- Rosin bags on the mound may be used in accordance with the rules. All substances except for rosin are prohibited per the Playing Rules that clearly state players cannot “apply a foreign substance of any kind to the ball” and may not “have on his person, or in his possession, any foreign substance.” Players may not intentionally combine rosin with other substances (e.g., sunscreen) to create additional tackiness or they risk ejection and suspension. Pitchers have been advised not to apply sunscreen during night games after the sun has gone down or when playing in stadiums with closed roofs. To ensure standardization of the rosin bag, Clubs must submit the rosin bag along with the game balls to be reviewed by the umpires before the start of each game.
The league will also hold each team and team personnel accountable for making sure the players follow the rules, with harsh penalties being levied on team employees who violate them.
What the league got right
The crackdown on sticky substances -- especially ones like Spider Tack and other concoctions -- makes a ton of sense.
And prohibiting teams from replacing suspended players on the roster should serve as a serious deterrent.
With Gerrit Cole, Max Scherzer, Corey Kluber, and Adam Wainwright among the pitchers who have been accused of using illegal substances, including Spider Tack, it's clear that the use of these substances to gain an advantage is widespread.
And it's clear that the use of the illegal substances has led to a downturn in offense that has made the game unwatchable at times and led to an outrageous amount of no-hitters so far during the 2021 season.
What the league got wrong
While it's obvious that many pitchers are using illegal substances in an effort to gain an advantage, it seems the league missed an opportunity here to separate Spider Tack and other newer, specialized concoctions from the normal (and widely accepted) mixture of rosin (which is legal) and sunscreen (which is not legal) that many pitchers have been using for a very long time.
And under the new rules, Spider Tack will be treated the same as a simple rosin and sunscreen mix -- resulting in ejections and suspensions.
Perhaps pitchers will get used to the new normal quickly, but it's hard to justify the league's decision to place Spider Tack and rosin/sunscreen in the same category without first creating a baseball that is easier to grip and/or providing the players with a legal substance alternative.
