Mariners pitcher Hector Santiago ejected after failing glove inspection, says substance was rosin

For the first time since MLB umpires began more rigorously checking pitchers for illegal substances, a player has been ejected for violating the rule.

It happened in the bottom of the fifth inning Sunday when home plate umpire Phil Cuzzi determined there was something questionable inside the glove belonging to Seattle Mariners left-hander Hector Santiago. 

Afterward, Santiago denied using anything illegal.

In a tie game between the White Sox and the Mariners, Santiago had just issued a walk to load the bases and was being taken out. However, he was officially ejected when the discovery was made and his glove was confiscated for inspection by MLB officials.

After the game Santiago said the only substance he used during the game was rosin, which is permitted under the rules.

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"He (Cuzzi) said he felt some stuff sticky on the inside of the glove," he said. "All I use is rosin. I use it on both sides (of the glove) ... trying to keep that sweat from dripping down onto the hands."

Last Monday, MLB announced an enhanced enforcement of its rules against applying foreign substances to the baseball. 

Despite a handful of complaints and a couple dramatic gestures from pitchers, things had proceeded fairly smoothly over the first week of inspections. 

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred told the New York Times last week he was pleased with the overall results. 

"(P)layers in general have been extremely cooperative, the inspections have taken place quickly and between innings," Manfred said. "Frankly, the data suggests that we are making progress with respect to the issues (in spin rate) that caused us to undertake the effort in the first place."