Using banned substances to enhance pitching is a serious offense for baseball players, which could lead to serious consequences. Pitchers have been caught using sticky substances and other foreign substances to enhance their pitching. Most recently, Shohei Ohtani fell under the scrutiny of an umpire during an epic pitching performance. This has left fans divided on the situation and how the umpire handled it.

Ohtani is well-liked by teammates, umpires, and coaches around the League for his easygoing personality. Furthermore, he has never been proven to cheat, having maintained a clean play style. Despite having done nothing wrong, the Los Angeles Angels two-way phenom was checked by the umpire during a game.

Shohei Ohtani was checked for foreign substances during his most recent outing

During his most recent start against the Washington Nationals, Shohei Ohtani put on an epic pitching display. But in the bottom of the 5th inning, he was subjected to a check by an umpire for foreign substances. The umpire believed that he had something hidden under his armpit. But after a quick look, it was discovered to be Ohtani’s PitchCom device. The PitchCom allows catchers to communicate pitches to the pitcher and fielder during a game. Jomboy Media shared a video of the incident, which ended with the umpire laughing and seemingly apologizing to Ohtani.

In the Tweet, Jomboy Media said, “An ump tried to bust Shohei Ohtani for foreign substances under his armpit but it turns out that’s just where he keeps his PitchCom device”. 

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This incident has left fans divided over the umpire’s call to check Ohtani. Some supported the handling of the incident. Others were unhappy with the umpire. 

Some fans credited the umpire for how he handled the situation and for apologizing. 

Other fans said that the umpire should have known where Ohtani’s PitchCom device was placed before the game.

Ohtani has been completely cleared of any possible wrongdoing, but fans are generally divided on the situation. Despite all of this, he still put on a great pitching performance, continuing a trend this season. He pitched 7 innings, allowing only 1 hit and striking out 6 batters.

Ohtani is on fire to start 2023

Shohei Ohtani has been on fire in 2023 so far. The Japanese two-way sensation guided his nation to its third World Baseball Classic title. Furthermore, he has started the 2023 MLB season in fantastic form. His batting has been great, but his pitching is on another level to begin the season. Ohtani has been a steady presence for the Angels this season despite up-and-down results for the team. 

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What do you think of Shohei Ohtani being checked for foreign substances? Kindly share your thoughts in the comments below.