Syracuse Mets right-handed reliever Jeff Brigham was ejected for using sticky substances in the August 9 game against the Wilkes Barre-Scranton RailRiders. The decision was made by first base umpire Lew Williams.
Brigham was ejected without throwing a pitch. As a result, Hunter Parsons relieved him in the bottom of the seventh inning in Syracuse’s 9-5 loss.
Parsons pitched 2/3 scoreless striking out one. However, he allowed an inherited runner to score on a Ronny Mauricio error.
Brigham will now be suspended and unavailable to pitch out of the Syracuse bullpen. He will also be unavailable to be called up during the time period of his suspension.
As noted by MMN’s own Michael Mayer, this is the third time a Syracuse pitcher has been ejected due to a sticky substance check from an umpire. On consecutive days, May 17 – 18, Dylan Bundy and Eric Orze were ejected.
Of course, this has been a larger issue for the New York Mets organization this season.
On April 19, Max Scherzer was ejected during an inspection. Despite his claims he washed his hands in front of an MPB official, he was suspended for 10 games.
On June 13, reliever Drew Smith was ejected for sticky substances. Despite his claim an MLB official said Smith’s hands were clean, he was suspended for 10 games.
In total, five pitchers in the Mets organization have been ejected for sticky substances.
Brigham, 31, has struggled in nine relief appearances with Syracuse. In eight innings, he’s 0-1 with an 11.25 ERA, 2.875 ERA, 10.1 BB/9, and a 4.5 K/9.
He has fared better in the majors. Over 32 appearances, he is 0-2 with a 5.16 ERA, 1.045 WHIP, 3.9 BB/9, and a 10.0 K/9. He will be arbitration eligible after this season.
