For many, it may be sunscreen , to get a better grip on balls they say are alternately slick and chalky, consistently inconsistent, based on how and when prepared.
“Pitchers need to be able to have some sort of control or some sort of grip on the ball.
League officials say there is strong support within the game and among fans to stop the use of illegal substances.
Another is that making the change during the season, when pitchers are competing to help their teams win — and some to keep their jobs — could imperil many.
“The argument on the pitcher standpoint, I would say most pitchers’ standpoint, is at least you have to have something that can combat whether the balls are dusty, dry, powdery, whatever it is on there.
“I don’t think many guys are out there trying to increase the spin rate and gain an unfair advantage.
“I’m not opposed to that by any means,” Zunino said.
“I feel like there could be a universal substance that can help with this, that is governed either by MLB or the union and agreed upon.
The advance leaks and formal announcement Tuesday of the league plans caused what has been described as “mass panic” throughout clubhouses.
Rays pitching coach Kyle Snyder said he has no worries about others on their highly effective staff — “We don’t have anything to hide” — but has heard of consternation and injury concerns around the league, that Glasnow is not an outlier.
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