New York Mets right-hander Noah Syndergaard is taking heat, rather than throwing it, on Tuesday.
It’s all because of a video from Monday’s 7-6 win over the Philadelphia Phillies which is making the rounds on social media.
In the video, Syndergaard appears to take a foreign substance from his glove and apply it to the ball. See for yourself.
Here is the official MLB rule on using a foreign substance on the ball:
3.01 The Ball
The ball shall be a sphere formed by yarn wound around a small core of cork, rubber or similar material, covered with two strips of white horsehide or cowhide, tightly stitched together. It shall weigh not less than five nor more than 5¼ ounces avoirdupois and measure not less than nine nor more than 9¼ inches in circumference. No player shall intentionally discolor or damage the ball by rubbing it with soil, rosin, paraffin, licorice, sand-paper, emery-paper or other foreign substance.
PENALTY: The umpire shall demand the ball and remove the offender from the game. In addition, the offender shall be suspended automatically for 10 games. For rules in regard to a pitcher defacing the ball, see Rules 6.02(c)(2) through (6).
Now, it’s worth noting the temperature at game-time Monday at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pa. was 46 degrees with sustained winds at 12 mph.
But the weather is no excuse for breaking what would appear to be a pretty clear-cut rule.
However even if Syndergaard did use something, it didn’t help his performance. He gave up five runs in five innings of work, surrendering nine hits while walking three and striking out nine, ending up with a no-decision in the game.
Syndergaard is 1-1 in four starts this season with a 5.63 ERA.
The Mets pulled out a 7-6 win against the Phillies, to improve to 10-6 this season. The Mets have a half-game lead over the Phillies and Braves in the National League East.
Mike Rosenstein may be reached at mrosenstein@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @rosenstein73. Find NJ.com on Facebook.