Reds Pitcher Ashcraft Told to Remove Wedding Band During Foreign Substance Check
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Reds pitcher Graham Ashcraft was informed of a newly enforced MLB rule during a complicated scene early in Saturday’s property matchup towards the Brewers.
As the right-hander exited the mound after the top of the initially inning, Ashcraft was stopped by very first-foundation umpire John Tumpane for a routine foreign compound examine. As Tumpane examined the pitcher’s palms, he observed a silicone marriage band on Ashcraft’s glove hand, and immediately asked him to get rid of it.
Ashcraft, who married his fiancée Emily in January 2021, could be found asking Tumpane, “Since when?” as he ongoing his wander to the dugout. The 24-12 months-aged did not depart the band far at the rear of, even though, as he finished the contest with it looped close to his necklace.
Following the match, the bewildered pitcher discussed his conversation with Tumpane to the media.
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“The initial foundation umpire will come up, checks my right hand as typical. Then he asks me to acquire my glove off and noticed my ring. He goes, ‘You have to just take your ring off,’” Ashcraft stated, per The Athletic. “I was like, ’No, why do I have to just take my ring off? I should not have to.’ Then seemingly it’s some new rule they came up with yesterday.”
According to the MLB rulebook, pitchers “may not attach anything at all to both hand, any finger or either wrist (e.g., Band-Help, tape, Super Glue, bracelet, etc.)” under any situations. Although the policy itself is not new, Reds supervisor David Bell later on explained to reporters he not too long ago acquired a memo about the rule which umpires began imposing league-extensive as of Friday.
“Thankfully nothing negative occurred,” Bell reported after admitting he could’ve done a improved work of imposing the rule. “It was pleasant that they just warned him and created him knowledgeable of it.”
Ashcraft, in his sixth get started of the time, pitched five innings in the Reds’ 7-3 decline, notching four strikeouts and surrendering six earned runs on 8 hits.
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