BOSTON — Home plate umpire Gerry Davis ejected Yankees starter Michael Pineda in the second inning of New York’s game against the Red Sox on Wednesday for having a foreign substance located on his neck.
Pineda was questioned after his April 10 start against the Red Sox for allegedly having pine tar on his throwing hand, so the Red Sox already were mindful the right-hander might try something Wednesday. Red Sox manager John Farrell, upon noticing the substance in the second inning, asked Davis to inspect Pineda, at which point the crew chief ejected the Yankees pitcher.
Pineda confessed after the game the substance was pine tar but said he won’t use it again.
Davis’ explanation of what happened is below, as told to Ken Powtak of The Associated Press.
Q: When you go out to the mound, what do you see or feel?
Davis: John Farrell mentioned that he felt (Pineda) had a foreign substance on his person, and (we) went out (to) check him and he did.”
Q: Do you have to be asked to go out?
Davis: No, not really. We could check that on our own, but John brought it to our attention.
Q: What it feel like? Was it a sticky substance?
Davis: It was pine tar.
Q: Did you find it anywhere else?
Davis: On his neck.
Q: As he’s going off, did he give any explanation or say anything to you?
Davis: He did not.
