A crackdown last year resulted in a decline in spin rates, but there was a rebound later, raising the possibility that some pitchers had found a way to get around the inspections conducted by the umpires. The league had had cause to suspect that pitchers had begun to apply sticky substances to balls because of increased spin rates. For an overhand curveball, an extra 400 rpm of topspin. These inspections will be held between innings or changes of pitcher so as not to unnecessarily delay the game. That’s a 17 increase in spin rate and requires a 17 increase or an additional 3 pounds of friction force coming from sticky substances. If an umpire sees that a player other than the pitcher has put a sticky substance on the ball, both he and the pitcher will be kicked out of the game. Angels sign Stassi to three-year extensionĬatchers and other players may also be checked by umpires as the need arises.If the player is seen wiping his hands before being checked, he may be kicked out of the game.
Starting pitchers can expect to be inspected more than once, while umpires will inspect relievers once they enter the field or after an inning. Such a finding will mean that the player will be penalized. If a pitcher’s hand is found to be “unquestionably sticky”, the umpire will assume that a substance had been applied so as to aid performance. The pitcher’s thumb, index finger, middle finger, and palm will be specifically scrutinized. “Umpires have been given additional guidance to help them determine whether a pitcher's hand or fingers contain a foreign substance in violation of the rules, which will make inspections more effective, and less invasive,” according to Michael Hill, MLB senior vice president of on-field operations. … - Alden González MaMLB: Umpires to inspect pitchers' hands and fingers It is now instructing umpires to be “more vigilant and unpredictable” with checks, most notably by inspecting their hands, according to an internal memo.
MLB believes pitchers found ways to navigate around inspections and use sticky stuff late in 2021.