MLB Investigated Substance on Sonny Gray's Neck During Yankees-Red Sox Game

Major League Baseball investigated a visible substance on pitcher Sonny Gray's neck during the Boston Red Sox's wild-card series loss to the New York Yankees, according to sports talk host Craig Carton. The substance drew attention from fans during the game, as Gray was seen touching his neck at various points.

An MLB spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment. However, Carton stated on WFAN that the league was aware of the situation and that umpires checked Gray's hat, glove, and hands after each inning he pitched. According to Carton, these checks revealed no anomalies, and the pitcher's spin rate did not significantly increase compared to his regular-season starts.

Gray pitched 4 ⅔ innings in Game 2 of the series, allowing one solo home run before being removed from the game with 70 pitches. The veteran right-hander expressed his desire to remain in the game, telling reporters, "I think I’m the best pitcher in the American League going through the order the third time. I think that’s a fact. I would have liked to live or die with me in that moment, but that’s the competitor I am." He added that he felt "strong," "confident," and "convicted" during his outing. The Yankees ultimately swept the Red Sox in the series.