Scherzer gets checked for sticky stuff and chaos ensues, a breakdown

Jun 23, 2021 4.3M views 4:53
MLB 2021

What Happened

Washington Nationals starting pitcher Max Scherzer takes the mound against the Philadelphia Phillies on this night, the first day MLB has implemented new checks for foreign substances on pitchers. After the first inning, Scherzer excitedly submits to an inspection, saying "Go ahead, check what you need to." The umpires find that Scherzer's spin rate is down significantly, suggesting he may have been using an illegal substance previously. In the third inning, Scherzer is checked again as he walks off the mound. He sarcastically tells the umpires, "Yeah, I like being able to hide my bald spot and now I can't do it anymore. But go ahead, check away." Scherzer appears frustrated by the repeated inspections. During the fourth inning, Phillies manager Joe Girardi notices Scherzer touching his hat and licking his fingers, which Girardi believes is suspicious behavior. Girardi alerts the umpires, who then check Scherzer's hair, much to his annoyance. "Are you serious? Really, you checked me twice already. Okay, here's my hat, here's my belt, here's my pants. I got nothing, stop, stop, stop," Scherzer pleads. The umpires continue to inspect Scherzer, much to the dismay of Nationals manager Davey Martinez, who yells at Girardi, saying, "That's f***ing bulls***!" Girardi stands on the dugout steps, looking intimidating, as the inspection continues. Scherzer insists, "I got sweat, that's all I got up here. Happy about it?" Ultimately, no foreign substances are found on Scherzer, and he finishes the game without further incident. As Scherzer walks off the mound after the fifth inning, he stares intently at Girardi, who then exchanges words with Nationals coach Kevin Long. Girardi is ultimately ejected from the game for his actions. Despite the chaotic scene, Scherzer delivers a strong performance, striking out several Phillies batters. The incident highlights the tension and uncertainty surrounding MLB's new crackdown on illegal substances, as players, coaches, and umpires navigate these new regulations.

Full Transcript

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today was the first day mlb said we will

be checking pictures to make sure they

don't have sticky stuff

anywhere on their person and max

scherzer