Astros pitcher Ronel Blanco suspended for using foreign substances

Houston Astros pitcher Ronel Blanco made headlines earlier this MLB season after throwing a no-hitter. Blanco then made headlines again this week, but for opposite and more discouraging reasons.

During Tuesday night’s game between Blanco’s Astros and the Oakland Athletics, referees checked Blanco for a foreign substance. The Astros pitcher was caught in the act and immediately ejected. MLB then decided on Wednesday to suspend the Astros pitcher.

According to Chandler Rome, Blanco will serve a 10-game suspension.

Ronel Blanco was suspended for 10 games.

— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) May 15, 2024

Blanco is just the latest MLB pitcher to be suspended due to the league’s foreign substance policy. Last year, Padres pitcher Robert Suarez served a 10-game suspension after committing a similar offense.

Before his ban, Blanco was very successful. In 47.1 innings, he posted a 4-0 record, a 2.09 ERA and 45 strikeouts with 21 walks. Part of this solid year so far was his no-hitter, the first of the MLB season in early April. He has posted a career ERA of 3.58 through 105.2 innings at the MLB level.

Of course, since he now has to carry this suspension, this no-hitter may come with a disclaimer. It was a very funny moment at the beginning of the season, but things could turn sour now. He now has the label “fraud” attached to him. Sometimes you really wonder if it’s worth it, but that’s life.

(Chandler Rome)