Ronel Blanco Faces 10-Game Suspension Over Sticky Substance on Glove
Astros pitcher Ronel Blanco, who threw the only no-hitter this season, got a 10-game suspension and fine for MLB's foreign substance policy violation. Blanco won't appeal, said GM Dana Brown. Logan Riely/Getty Images

Houston Astros pitcher Ronel Blanco, known for throwing the season's only no-hitter on April 1 against the Toronto Blue Jays, has been suspended for 10 games and fined an undisclosed amount by Major League Baseball (MLB) for violating the league's sticky substance policy.

The suspension, announced Wednesday, takes immediate effect, with Blanco opting not to appeal, as confirmed by Astros General Manager Dana Brown, CBS reports.

Ronel Blanco's suspension stems from an incident during Tuesday's game against the Oakland Athletics, where he was ejected after umpires discovered a foreign substance in his glove.

Third-base umpire Laz Diaz initiated the inspection before the start of the fourth inning at Minute Maid Park.

Despite Blanco's objections, the umpires deemed the substance a violation, leading to his ejection.

League Crackdown on Foreign Substances

MLB's enforcement of rules against sticky substances gained traction midway through the 2021 season, prompting increased vigilance from umpires during games.

This crackdown aims to maintain fair play and integrity within the sport, ensuring a level playing field for all competitors, according to Yahoo! Sports.

Ronel Blanco's no-hitter earlier in the season marked a significant achievement, solidifying his place in the Astros' starting rotation.

His impressive performance, which included 14 consecutive innings without allowing a hit, contributed to the team's success and garnered attention across the league.

Astros manager Joe Espada commented on the incident, noting observations of sweat mixed with rosin in Blanco's glove, a combination prohibited under league regulations.

Umpire Erich Bacchus echoed Espada's sentiments, describing the substance as the "stickiest stuff" encountered during such inspections.

Blanco maintained his innocence, suggesting that any substance found in his glove may have been residual rosin transferred from his non-pitching hand due to sweat.

Despite his protestations, the umpires' decision to eject him stood, leading to subsequent disciplinary action from MLB.

Team Impact and Rotation Adjustment

The Ronel Blanco suspension presents challenges for the Astros, who must navigate a reduced rotation during his absence.

The team's plans to employ a six-man rotation will revert to a five-man rotation, with other starters stepping up to fill the gap left by Blanco's suspension, ESPN noted.

Blanco's case adds to a growing list of MLB Astros pitchers penalized for violating the foreign substance policy, underscoring the league's commitment to upholding fair competition.

With umpires conducting regular equipment checks, MLB aims to maintain the integrity and credibility of the sport.

While the Ronel Blanco suspension represents a setback for the Astros, it reinforces MLB's stance on fair play and adherence to regulations governing player conduct.

As the league continues its efforts to combat the use of sticky substances, players and teams alike must remain vigilant in upholding the principles of fair competition.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Ross Key

WATCH: MLB Network | Mark Derosa reacts Ronel Blanco ejected early for foreign substance as Astros over A's - From VS Entertainment