MLB enforcing rule to stop use of foreign substances on balls

Major League Baseball is cracking down on pitchers who apply foreign substances to the ball while on the mound.

MLB senior vice president Chris Young is informing teams that Rule 8.02 and other related regulations will be enforced during the upcoming season, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post.

"As in past years, MLB is conducting our normal spring training meetings to review rules, replay, umpiring, and other topics related to on-field play. We want to ensure that all clubs understand the rules and regulations and adhere to them," Young said.

Despite the existence of Rule 8.02, pitchers have continued to use sticky substances such as pine tar to combat the general slickness of baseballs, especially in cold weather or dry environments like Coors Field.

However, the league wants the rule to be enforced as more information becomes available regarding the effects these substances can have on the spin rate and velocity of the ball, Sherman reports.

Young, who pitched in the majors for 13 years, said he hopes the league can discover a substance to rub on the baseballs - or an entirely new ball itself - to provide additional grip without drastically increasing the spin.

Under the rule, umpires have the power to eject players from a game if they determine the ball is doctored, which also results in an automatic 10-game suspension.

Seattle Mariners left-hander Yusei Kikuchi was criticized last season when he appeared to have a foreign substance on the underside of the brim of his cap during a game against the New York Yankees in May.