Hector Santiago ejected for foreign substance violation

Hector Santiago has become the first player to get ejected since MLB's crackdown on the use of foreign substances. Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Mariners' Hector Santiago becomes first pitcher to be ejected for foreign substance violation

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 6/27/21

Seattle Mariners left-hander Hector Santiago became the first pitcher in Major League Baseball to be ejected for a foreign substance violation.

Santiago was tossed from Seattle's game against the Chicago White Sox on Sunday in the fifth inning after his glove was examined during an inspection. The umpires kept his glove after he was removed from the contest.

Mariners pitcher Hector Santiago becomes the first player to get ejected for a foreign substance violation since MLB's crackdown on sticky stuff

(via @NBCSWhiteSox)pic.twitter.com/2bLJy53Miw
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) June 27, 2021

The Mariners were leading 2-1 when Santiago was ejected. He had pitched 2 1/3 innings, striking out four batters while walking two and allowing three hits.

Santiago will now be subject to a 10-day suspension under MLB's new foreign substance policy. He would be the first player to face discipline since the league's crackdown on sticky substances went into effect on Monday.

The 33-year-old first appeared in the majors in 2011 and has thrown just under 1,000 innings at the big league level. He was signed to a minor league deal last month and has made nine appearances since being selected to Seattle's roster.

Santiago entered Sunday's game with a 2.45 ERA, 1.023 WHIP and 19 strikeouts in 14.2 innings.

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