Houston Astros' Unlikely Hero Ronel Blanco Booted For Using 'Sticky Substance'

Was the no-hitter fake?

Houston Astros ascending pitcher Ronel Blanco was tossed in the fourth inning of Tuesday's game against the Oakland A's after an ump checked Blanco's glove and discovered an illegal "sticky substance."

First base umpire Erich Bacchus dropped the hammer on Blanco after the game. "It was the stickiest stuff I've felt on a glove since we've been doing this for a few years now," the ump said.

(Cheating allegations … Houston Astros … the jokes write themselves.)

Blanco could face a 10-game suspension as a result of his ejection. A batch of pitchers received suspensions last year for using sticky substances — an MLB guideline since 2021. 

HOUSTON, TEXAS - MAY 14: Ronel Blanco #56 of the Houston Astros is ejected in the fourth inning against the Oakland Athletics at Minute Maid Park on May 14, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Logan Riely/Getty Images)

The early-season slump for the Astros continues, coming into Tuesday's contest with a 16-25 record and fourth in the AL West.

Blanco tossed the first (and only) no-hitter of the new season, quickly becoming an unlikely star in the Astros rotation. 

Blanco's trajectory to the big leagues made him an unexpected sensation, debuting in the league at 28 years of age and accomplishing the feat in just his eighth pro start. He threw 105 pitches in nine innings against the Toronto Blue Jays, fanning seven batters, walking two and holding the Blue Jays to a goose egg on hits. 

HOUSTON, TEXAS - MAY 14: Ronel Blanco #56 is walked off the field by Joe Espada #19 of the Houston Astros after being ejected in the fourth inning against the Oakland Athletics at Minute Maid Park on May 14, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Logan Riely/Getty Images)

HOUSTON, TEXAS - MAY 14: Ronel Blanco #56 of the Houston Astros reacts after pitching in the first inning against the Oakland Athletics at Minute Maid Park on May 14, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Logan Riely/Getty Images)

Check back with OutKick as the story develops.

Follow along on X: @alejandroaveela

Send a message: alejandro.avila@outkick.com