New York Mets closer Edwin Diaz was ejected Sunday before even throwing out a single pitch against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois.
Diaz was slated to take the mound for the bottom of the ninth inning with the Mets looking to protect their 5-2 over the Cubs.
Umpires noticed Diaz’s hands looking rather slick and shiny. After inspecting the 30-year-old Puerto Rican’s hands, third base umpire Vic Carapazza tossed Diaz from the ballgame.
Mets reliever Drew Smith took Diaz’s place and preserved his team’s 5-2 lead to complete the save.
Diaz could potentially be suspended for 10 games if the ruling on the substance on his hand is upheld. Diaz’s appearance Sunday, which still counts on the box score, was just his sixth since returning from the injured list on May 24.
Diaz has allowed just one earned run over five innings of work over that span.
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