MLB Pitcher Hector Santiago of Seattle Mariners Ejected for Failing New Foreign Substance Protocols

Hector Santiago from Seattle Mariners was ejected for failing Major League Baseball's foreign substance protocol on Sunday, June 27.

Hector Santiago was the first pitcher of MLB to be ejected since the said new protocols were implemented, according to ABC 7. The incident happened during a match between the Seatle Mariners and the Chicago White Sox.

As Santiago exited the fifth inning, home plate umpire Phil Cuzzi determined something questionable inside the pitcher's glove, USA Today Sports reported.

Because of this, Hector Santiago was checked by the umpires, and his glove was confiscated. Then it was announced that the MLB pitcher was ejected from the game.

Crew chief Tom Hallion confirmed that when Santiago's glove was inspected for having a foreign substance, a "sticky" substance was discovered on the inside palm of his glove.

MLB Pitcher Hector Santiago Says It Was Only 'Sweat and Rosin'

The 33-year-old left-hander defended himself by arguing that what the umpires found was a combination of sweat and rosin, which is permitted under MLB rules.

Although rosin is allowed to be used by MLB players, it cannot be combined with any substance such as sunscreen.

"All I use is rosin. I use it on both sides [of the glove]... trying to keep the sweat from dripping down onto the hands," said Santiago in response to the sticky substance the umpire discovered in his gloves.

Hector Santiago further noted that once the committee checked his gloves, they would only find "sweat and rosin."

Despite the unfortunate incident, the MLB pitcher acknowledged that what happened to him was "part of the game" and other players would get caught in case "they're going to use any substances."

Hector Santiago further noted that he knows he did not use anything during the match, and his mindset was set in only using rosin and "attack the zone."

As per the MLB rules, Santiago will be suspended for at least 10 days with pay. However, ABC 7 highlighted that there would be an appeals process. Seattle Mariners will also be affected because they could not replace Santiago on the 26-man roster.

MLB's Foreign Substance Crackdown

Last week, MLB announced enhanced enforcement of its rules against applying foreign substances to the baseball.

The umpires from MLB started the regular checks of all pitchers for sticky substances they utilize to get a better grip on the balls and increase the spin of the ball and make hitting them more difficult.

Hector Santiago failed to abide by the rule known as "Rule 6.02," an expansion of "Rule 3.01." This rule made it possible for periodic checks throughout the game of both starters and relievers.

Apart from MLB pitchers, catchers are also subject to inspections. Non-pitchers who also apply the foreign substance on the ball are also subject to suspension.

Although Hector Santiago allegedly failed to abide by the new rule, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred lauded the players in general for being cooperative. Manfred told the New York Times that the inspections "have taken place quickly and between innings."

"Frankly, the data suggests that we are making progress with respect to the issues [spin rate] that caused us to undertake the effort in the first place," Manfred noted.

WATCH: Hector Santiago EJECTED (Foreign Substance) Found in Glove - From Highlight Reel