Umpire who ejected Mets closer Edwin Diaz for sticky stuff lets Cubs pitcher wash his hands

Hypocrisy isn’t new to Major League Baseball. It’s a game of personality where if people like you enough, the rules apply differently. Perhaps this wasn’t the exact case on Tuesday when Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Justin Steele was told to wash his hands. The New York Mets know all about the sticky substance checks with three players already receiving suspensions for it.

This latest incident is made more frustrating by the fact that the umpire who let Steele clean his hands to remain in the game is Vic Carapazza, the same one who didn’t allow Diaz the chance.

Has MLB righted a wrong of the past while not acknowledging they made a massive mistake with Diaz? Let’s not go and give them too much credit.

Mets fans can only look on in shock as the rules apply differently for other players and teams

Clarity of rules and consistency in applying them is all fans want. In quick moments when a decision must be made, it’s understandable when maybe an umpire might flub a ball or strike call. On non-balls and strikes, we have challenges and instant replay to help get the call on the field correct.

When it comes to stickiness of hands, there is no easy answer to determine where the line should be. Carapazza claimed Diaz’s hands were “the stickiest” he had encountered. The level of stickiness shouldn’t factor in. When a pitcher may be trying to break a rule, they deserve to be held responsible as equally as everyone else. There is nothing more unequal than removing the opportunity from one player that was given to another. The balance of fairness in the game is eliminated especially when the accused are awarded an automatic 10-game suspension.

There are a lot of different directions to go with our thoughts when it comes to the difference in handling Steele vs. Diaz. Were Steele’s hands not as sticky? Is MLB attempting to make things right and give every pitcher the opportunity to clean his hands? Conspiracy against the Mets? Umpires never have to answer for anything. Don’t expect clarification from anyone.