Houston Astros starting pitcher Ronel Blanco reacts after being ejected prior. Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Astros pitcher ejected after foreign substance check

By Adam Gretz | Last updated 5/15/24

Houston Astros pitcher Ronel Blanco was ejected from Tuesday's game against the Houston Astros following an umpire check for a foreign substance on his glove.

As Blanco was leaving the field after the third inning, a routine check from the third base umpire resulted in him being ejected from the game. The umpires passed the glove around and held on to it so the league can further investigate.

Blanco had not allowed a run and struck out four batters before being ejected.

He has been one of the Astros' few bright spots this season, especially on the pitching staff, and now he might be looking at a potential suspension.

Here is a look at the check.

Ronel Blanco has been ejected from the game after a foreign substance was found on his glove. pic.twitter.com/cO2Tuev4iQ
— A's on NBCS (@NBCSAthletics) May 15, 2024

Major League Baseball has been trying to crack down on pitchers using foreign substances in recent years and have introduced routine checks throughout games as pitchers enter the game and leave the mound.
Given the Astros' past history with cheating scandals, this is the type of thing that is going to result in some heckles and taunts from opposing fans, especially when Blanco takes the mound next.

In eight starts this season, he has a 2.09 ERA with 45 strikeouts in 47 innings pitched.

He also has a 4-0 record, including a no-hitter in his first start of the season against the Toronto Blue Jays. He followed that start by throwing five no-hit innings in his second start against the defending World Series champion Texas Rangers.

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