Umpires Phil Cuzzi (left) and Mark Ripperger check the glove of Seattle Mariners relief pitcher Hector Santiago for illegal substances before ejecting him from Sunday's game against the White Sox. Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Hector Santiago’s foreign substance ejection was all a big misunderstanding, according to the pitcher himself.

Santiago became the first pitcher ejected under MLB’s crackdown on foreign substance rules on Sunday when he was tossed in the third inning against the Chicago White Sox. After the game, Santiago said nothing he used was illegal, but that he used rosin on his glove hand as well as his pitching hand.

Santiago’s glove will be sealed and sent to the league for further testing, so if he’s telling the truth, he’s likely to be vindicated. If not, he faces a suspension.

The 33-year-old pitcher came into Sunday with a 2.45 ERA in eight appearances this season, all out of the bullpen.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Watch: Stars, Golden Knights trade goals in first period of Game 5
Watch: Heat can't figure out how to stop Celtics star
Dolphins owner turns down multibillion-dollar offer for control of team
Analyst highlights concerns about Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy
Bucks release concerning injury report as Game 6 looms
Five-time NBA All-Star reveals thoughts on retirement amid rumors
Report: Hurricanes pull extension offer for HC Rod Brind'Amour
Bears GM discusses if he considered trading Caleb Williams pick
MLB hands out multiple suspensions for Rays-Brewers brawl
Insider predicts when Giants QB Daniel Jones could lose starting job
Brittney Griner opens up on arrest, imprisonment in Russia
Saints to sign veteran DB
Celtics provide updated timeline on Kristaps Porzingis injury
Recruit reveals pitch he received from John Calipari
Draft expert thinks unheralded Western Michigan DE is a steal for Cowboys
NHL announces 2024 Norris Trophy finalists
Former Yankees infielder rips team after loss to Orioles
Lightning reportedly extend HC Jon Cooper
Watch: Tyrese Maxey saves Sixers' season with two huge shots
Hurricanes eliminate Islanders with help of third-period rapid-fire goals