Advertisement

Yankees' Pineda thrown out over substance on neck

 
Michael Pineda had earlier faced ball doctoring accusations.
Michael Pineda had earlier faced ball doctoring accusations.
Published April 24, 2014

BOSTON — Yankees RHP Michael Pineda was ejected from a game against the Red Sox in the second inning Wednesday night after umpires found a foreign substance on his neck.

Pineda's ejection occurred 13 days after he had brown goo on the lower part of his right palm during a 4-1 win over Boston at Yankee Stadium.

That sparked a debate about pitchers' use of sticky substances to get a better grip in cool weather. The game time temperature Wednesday was 50 degrees.

Boston manager John Farrell didn't challenge Pineda's use of the substance April 10.

But with two outs, bases empty and a 1-and-2 count on Grady Sizemore on Wednesday, Farrell left the dugout to talk with plate umpire Gerry Davis, who went to the mound. Davis touched the right side of the pitcher's neck with his index finger then ejected Pineda as other umpires and Yankee infielders stood nearby.

Before the game, Farrell said, "I would expect if it's used, it's more discreet than last time."

Pineda left with the Yankees trailing 2-0 after he allowed two runs and four hits in the first inning. He was replaced by RHP David Phelps.

Rule 8.02(b) says a pitcher shall not "have on his person, or in his possession, any foreign substance. For such infraction of this section the penalty shall be immediate ejection from the game. In addition, the pitcher shall be suspended automatically."

"We will talk to the umpires (today) and review their report before taking any action," MLB spokesman Michael Teevan said.

TRANSFER RULE REVISIT: Commissioner Bud Selig said that baseball's playing rules committee is working to clarify the rule on transfers by fielders on forceouts, which has caused some controversy in the first season of expanded instant replay for umpires. Selig said he expects to hear back about clarifying the rule, adding "given the fact it's new, yes, we've had a little glitch here and there, but not much, and nothing that really affected a game."

MCGRADY JOINS SKEETERS: Former NBA star Tracy McGrady, 34, signed to pitch for the Sugar Land Skeeters in the independent Atlantic League.

D'BACKS: LF Mark Trumbo, who leads the 6-18 team with seven homers and 19 RBIs, was diagnosed with a stress fracture in his left foot and was sent to Phoenix to determine its severity.

PADRES: RHP Josh Johnson is set to have season-ending Tommy John surgery today for the second time in his career.

PHILLIES: LHP Cole Hamels, sidelined for the first three weeks because of biceps tendinitis, was activated from the disabled list to make his season debut.

PIRATES: Travis Ishikawa, the team's opening-day first baseman, refused an outright assignment to Triple-A Indianapolis and elected to become a free agent.

RANGERS: All-Star LHP Matt Harrison will come off the disabled list and start Sunday in his first big-league action in more than a year following multiple back surgeries and thoracic outlet syndrome.

RED SOX: OF Daniel Nava, a strong contributor to last season's World Series champions, was demoted to Triple-A Pawtucket after starting 10-for-67 (.149).

Stay updated on Tampa Bay’s sports scene

Subscribe to our free Sports Today newsletter

We’ll send you news and analysis on the Bucs, Lightning, Rays and Florida’s college football teams every day.

You’re all signed up!

Want more of our free, weekly newsletters in your inbox? Let’s get started.

Explore all your options

ROYALS: First-base coach Rusty Kuntz had surgery on his broken left arm, an injury he sustained Monday when he was hit by a line drive during pregame batting practice.

Up next:Sunshine