In March, Major League Baseball sent two different memos to clubs saying it would intensify control and enforcement of rules prohibiting pitchers from applying foreign substances to baseballs.
Less than a week into the season, the league’s last attempt at repression is being put to the test. And a pitcher who has perhaps been more outspoken than anyone else on the subject, Dodgers right-hander Trevor Bauer is already striking.
Referees for Bauer’s start against Oakland Athletics picked up several balls he threw during the game on Wednesday, according to major league sources. The balls had visible marks and were sticky and were sent to league offices for further inspection, sources said.