MLB
Why was Ronel Blanco expelled from the Astros - Athletics game?
The Houston franchise’s starter could not continue pitching in their game against Oakland and is expected to face a rigorous penalty from the Major League.
One of the stand-out players in Major League Baseball 2024 season is Ronel Blanco, a starting pitcher for the Houston Astros. In his first start of the season, he pitched a no-hitter against the Toronto Blue Jays and has had impressive performances throughout the season. However, he was ejected from the game against the Oakland Athletics at Minute Maid Park this Tuesday due to a penalty.
The umpires decided the Texan franchise’s second game against the Oakland Coliseum team because they found a sticky substance on his glove before the start of the fourth inning. Following this, those in charge of dispensing justice on the diamond determined that the Dominican would have to leave early, and the glove was confiscated.
According to Chandler Roma of The Athletic, the pitcher could face a 10-game suspension as long as it is confirmed that he acted against MLB rules. Likewise, after the 2-1 victory for the Astros, first base umpire Erich Bacchus declared, “It was the stickiest thing I’ve felt on a glove since we did this a few years ago.”
Although his manager, Joe Espada, tried to talk to the referees, they were determined to make the decision, and pitcher Taller Scott had to come in relief. The Houston team won in the tenth inning with a hit by Victor Caratini, who drove Trey Cabbage’s run to lift all the organization’s fans who gathered at the stadium.
Ronel Blanco defends himself
The Dominican Republic starter spoke to the media after today’s game and took the opportunity to explain the situation: “They said I had something sticky; that was the reason they couldn’t let me continue pitching. It’s just a joke that I put on my left arm. It’s something normal among us pitchers.”
“I told them that if he found something sticky on my glove, I should also have it on my hand and that he should check my hand. He checked me in the first inning I came out, and then he didn’t want to check my hand […] I would say I must wait for them to check the glove. Of course, I will appeal (in case of a suspension),” declared the Quisqueya man firmly.