Jacob deGrom was relieved to see he passed MLB’s first check for foreign substances

Jacob deGrom passed inspection with flying colors.

Jacob deGrom has had an All-Star quality 2021 MLB season full of firsts for a pitcher. And now, he’s the first MLB pitcher to be checked in-game for foreign substances after being searched by the umpires during Monday’s game.

After deGrom’s scoreless first inning for the New York Mets against the Atlanta Braves, the pitcher was stopped by the umpires on his way off the field for a random search for foreign sticky substances like Spider Tack. This is the first week of MLB’s crackdown on sticky substances that help facilitate grip for pitchers, which act as an aid to throw the ball better and faster.

Now, all starters and relievers will be searched randomly during their time on the mound, starting with deGrom, who showed off his glove, hat, and belt to the umpires.

DeGrom was clearly relieved to see he passed inspection, as he took the check in stride as he laughed it off with catcher Tomas Nido upon leaving the field. And good thing too that he passed, as he made quite a catch for the Mets at the top of the third.

Pitching, fielding, and passing MLB’s new sticky substance checks. Is there anything deGrom can’t do?

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