In Major League Baseball (MLB), every action on the field is closely examined, with every pitch and play analyzed in high-definition. Even the smallest gestures, such as a pitcher adjusting their clothing, can spark significant debate. This was the case during the San Diego Padres’ game against the Chicago Cubs, where a seemingly innocent moment involving pitcher Nick Pivetta has led to growing speculation.
Pivetta, known for his $55 million contract with the Padres and his commanding presence on the mound, was captured adjusting his pants during a mound visit. This seemingly harmless act quickly gained attention, especially after Michael Cerami posted it on X (formerly Twitter), calling it “definitely unusual.” This has sparked a wider discussion, with some fans speculating that it might be a sign of Pivetta using foreign substances, often referred to as “sticky stuff,” which have become a controversial issue in baseball.
Sticky substances are used by pitchers to improve their grip on the ball, often resulting in higher spin rates and greater control. MLB cracked down on these substances in 2021, implementing strict rules and penalties, including a 10-game suspension for offenders. This crackdown was part of an effort to preserve the integrity of the game, and has been the subject of considerable debate within the sport. Although Pivetta’s actions on the mound were not immediately linked to such substances, the video of him adjusting his pants left room for speculation.
The use of foreign substances in baseball is not new. Historically, pitchers have used items like Vaseline, pine tar, and even a mix of sunscreen and rosin to gain an advantage. MLB has long been aware of this issue, and in response, they have put in place various enforcement measures to curb the practice. However, despite being under the microscope, Pivetta has never been officially associated with any foreign substance violations throughout his career. Even during the 2021 crackdown, which targeted many pitchers across the league, his name was never mentioned in connection with these issues.
The incident with Pivetta is not the first time that pitchers’ actions have sparked suspicion. In 2018, Trevor Bauer raised awareness about the widespread use of sticky substances among MLB pitchers. Bauer himself estimated that nearly 69% of pitchers were using substances to boost their performance. This led to a significant investigation into the issue, culminating in MLB’s crackdown in 2021. The enforcement of this policy has been a contentious subject, with players like Max Scherzer and Sergio Romo publicly arguing with umpires during field inspections.
Despite the widespread scrutiny, Pivetta has managed to avoid any controversy regarding foreign substances. He has a clean record, with no ejections or suspensions related to the issue. His disciplined career and reputation for playing within the rules have made him an unlikely candidate for being linked to such practices. MLB and the Padres have yet to comment on the incident, and there is no ongoing investigation.
This incident serves as a reminder of the heightened scrutiny that players face in modern baseball, where even the smallest actions can be interpreted through a magnifying glass. While some may view Pivetta’s pants adjustment as a harmless moment of discomfort, others may question whether there is more to the story. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether this incident will be remembered as a simple misunderstanding or if it will become another chapter in the ongoing controversy surrounding foreign substances in the game.
In the end, the incident highlights the challenge of separating innocent actions from potential infractions in a sport that is under constant scrutiny. Whether this becomes another footnote in MLB’s ongoing battle with sticky substances or if it leads to further investigation remains uncertain. But for now, every action is being watched—nothing escapes inspection in modern baseball.