Beginning pitcher Kevin Gausman of the San Francisco Giants talks to dwelling plate umpire Phil Cuzzi on the pitcher’s mound earlier than pitching within the backside of the second inning towards the Oakland A’s on Aug. 21, 2021 in Oakland, Calif.
Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Photographs
The San Francisco Giants accomplished a dramatic comeback towards the Oakland A’s on Saturday, beating their Bay Area rivals 6-5. However Giants ace Kevin Gausman struggled — and including insult to damage, it positive appeared like an umpire was suspicious of … his tattoos?
Previous to the second inning, home-plate umpire Phil Cuzzi approached the mound and requested to look at Gausman’s forearm. That in itself is not so uncommon at this level, particularly after MLB began cracking down on pitchers utilizing unlawful substances. However this examination, a minimum of for onlookers following alongside on tv, did not look like a random spot-check.
Besides, as Gausman scrubbed away at his arm (presumably per Cuzzi’s request), all that remained was Gausman’s very seen tattoos. Which begs the query: Was Cuzzi bamboozled by some ink? Did he suppose the tattoos have been one thing extra nefarious?
“I suppose they’re telling Gausman, ‘You realize, that tattoo factor you have obtained going? We have gotta clear that up,'” Giants announcer Duane Kuiper mentioned.
Shade commentator Javy Lopez appropriately identified that such a request just isn’t potential. At the very least not throughout a baseball recreation.
Gausman turned in a tough outing on Saturday, permitting 5 runs and 6 hits earlier than getting yanked within the fourth inning. It doesn’t seem as if his tattoos unfairly enhance his efficiency.