MLB informs owners of increased crackdown on pitchers using foreign substances

Major League Baseball informed owners Thursday that it is engaged in the next phase of league-directed enforcement banning the use of foreign substances by pitchers — which would include 10-day suspensions — two persons with direct knowledge of the meeting told USA TODAY Sports.

The persons spoke on the condition of anonymity because MLB has yet to formally announce how they will vigilantly enforce the rule, but it is expected to take place before the July 13 All-Star Game in Denver.

One potential solution, one person said, is to instruct the umpiring crew to check the glove, cap and uniform of every pitcher who enters the game. If a foreign substance is found, the pitcher would be required to get a new cap or glove, as in the case last week when crew chief Joe West ordered St. Louis Cardinals reliever Giovanny Gallegos to remove his cap when he entered the game against the Chicago Cubs. Gallegos was permitted to stay in the game.

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