MLB asks umps for more random checks on sticky substances
By RONALD BLUM
AP Baseball Writer
Major League Baseball is asking umpires to make more random checks this season for pitchers using sticky substances. MLB says its crackdown on grip-enhancing materials became less effective late last season. MLB instituted regular checks last June 21 for grip aids, and Seattle’s Héctor Santiago and Arizona’s Caleb Smith received 10-game suspensions.