It was an odd scene.
Orioles left-hander Keegan Akin walked off the mound in the first inning of Monday’s game against the Houston Astros, stopped in between the foul line and the home dugout and handed his cap and glove to crew chief Ted Barrett.
With Barrett and home plate ump Angel Hernandez watching, Akin flipped over his belt buckle to show he was sticky-substance free.
Welcome to the new world order of Major League Baseball.
Monday marked the first slate of games in which modified rules governing foreign substances are being enforced. Umpires now check each starting pitcher on at least two occasions during the game as well as all relievers at least once.
“It was pretty easy, honestly. Just wanted to check the hat, your glove and your belt,” said Akin, who gave up five runs in four innings in the Orioles’ 10-2 loss. “Definitely different.
