Go Woo-seok was ejected from a Minor League Baseball game in the United States for allegedly violating foreign substance usage regulations.
According to Yonhap News on July 25, Go, a right-handed relief pitcher for the Triple-A St. Paul Saints, part of the Minnesota Twins organization, took the mound as the third pitcher for his team during the seventh inning of a home game against the Columbus Clippers (affiliated with the Cleveland Guardians) at CHS Field in St. Paul, Minnesota, with his team trailing 2-3.
However, as Go approached the mound, umpires inspected his hands and glove, claiming they found a foreign substance inside the glove. They called over additional umpires for confirmation.
After a lengthy examination of the glove, the umpires ordered Go's ejection and confiscated the glove.
In response to ongoing controversies regarding the use of foreign substances by pitchers, Major League Baseball implemented a system in 2021 that allows umpires to inspect pitchers' hands and gloves during games.
Using sticky substances like tar or resin can enhance a pitcher's grip, increasing spin rate and movement on the ball.
If a foreign substance is discovered during an inspection, the pitcher is immediately ejected and typically faces a 10-game suspension after a disciplinary process.
The broadcast team remarked, "This is the first time we've seen something like this," noting that it appeared the umpires found something inside the glove.
They added, "We cannot know exactly what the issue is, but if a foreign substance regulation was violated, a suspension will follow."
As of now, the Minor League office has not officially announced any disciplinary action against Go.
Meanwhile, Go struggled in his previous outing against Cleveland on July 21, allowing three runs in one inning before being sent back down to the minors.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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