It has been a turbulent start to the 2024 season for the Houston Astros and it looks like it could become a whole lot more difficult in the coming weeks.
Astros starting pitcher Ronel Blanco could be facing a 10-game suspension after umpires found a sticky substance inside his glove. The incident took place on Tuesday at Minute Maid Park during the Astros game against the Oakland Athletics. Blanco had worked his way through the first three innings without allowing a run when the umpires came out for a standard check. After some discussions, Blanco was ejected prior to the start of the fourth inning.
Asked about glove after the game, first base umpire Erich Bacchus was shocked at how sticky it was when he found it.
“I felt something inside the glove [he pointed to his palm as he said this]. It was the stickiest stuff I"ve felt on a glove since we’ve been doing this for a few years now. So, I brought the crew in. The crew conferred and then we went from there," said Bacchus per MLB.com.
The umpire that checked Ronel Blanco's glove had some strong words pic.twitter.com/iV7034qFKJ
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) May 15, 2024
Blanco later defended himself saying the sticky substance was just rosin mixed with sweat.
The Dominican righty has been one of the team"s shinning lights during a difficult few months. He is yet to lose a game this season with a 4-0 record after eight starts. The 30-year-old also leads all Astros starters in ERA (2.09), strikeouts (45), WHIP (1.06), batting average against (.175) and innings pitched (47.1)
The Astros currently sit fourth in the American League West with an underwhelming 17-25 record. The organization has set the standard over the years in the American League, reaching seven consecutive AL Championship Series. If they are not careful, they could miss out on the playoffs all together this season.
