Philadelphia Phillies manager Joe Girardi says he grew suspicious of Max Scherzer repeatedly wiping his head throughout Tuesday’s game. That prompted Girardi to request to the umpires to check for an illegal substance on the Washington Nationals ace.
“I’ve seen Max a long time. Since 2010. Obviously he’s going to be a Hall of Famer. But, I’ve never seen him wipe his head like he was doing tonight, ever… It was suspicious for me,” Girardi told reporters following the Nats 3-2 win, per Todd Zolecki of MLB.com.
Girardi’s request in the fourth inning was the third substance check of the game on Scherzer. A frustrated Scherzer threw his hat down and then started to unbuckle his belt before being stopped by umpires.
Umpire Alfonso Marquez said they found “nothing but sweat” in Scherzer’s hair during Girardi’s request, per Matt Breen of the Philadelphia Inquirer.
MLB has made an effort to curtail the use of foreign substance among pitchers. Pitchers are subjected to checks from the umpires. However, Girardi tried to take advantage of the rule. Scherzer had a runner on second base with one out of a 3-1 game when Girardi requested a check.
“I didn’t mean to offend anyone,” Girardi added. “I’ve just got to do what’s right for our club.”
Scherzer contends he only used rosin Tuesday night. He said he kept rubbing his hair in absence of substance, trying to get a better grip on the baseball.
“I would have to be an absolute fool to use something (illegal) tonight,” Scherzer said per Britt Ghiroli of the Athletic.
Scherzer threw 106 pitches in five innings. He allowed one run off two hits and three walks. After getting out of the fifth with a 1-2-3 inning, Scherzer stared down Girardi as he walked off the mound. Girardi became animated and walked onto the field before being stopped and ejected from the game by the umpires.
The Nationals won the game 3-2. The two clubs will play again Wednesday afternoon.
