What did Max Scherzer get ejected for?

Max Scherzer was ejected before the fourth inning of the New York Mets-Los Angeles Dodgers game on Wednesday, April 19, 2023, after he appeared to violate MLB rules prohibiting the use of sticky substances.

The drama began when Scherzer met with first-base umpire Phil Cuzzi for a foreign substance check at the start of the third inning. Cuzzi eventually had him change gloves for the inning, which he did.

However, before the fourth inning, the umpires again inspected Scherzer’s hands and glove, and he was ejected after a heated argument.

Max Scherzer was repeatedly shouting “It’s just rosin” to the umpires before being ejected, according to SNY field reporter Steve Gelbs.

MLB provides pitchers with rosin bags as a legal option to improve pitch grip, but the combination of rosin and sunscreen or sweat has long been known to produce a DIY sticky substance.

If Scherzer is found to have used an illegal substance, he will be suspended for ten games. He would have the right to appeal such discipline.