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Reds Pitcher Ashcraft Told to Remove Wedding Band During Foreign Substance Check

Reds pitcher Graham Ashcraft learned of a unique new MLB rule during a confusing scene early in Saturday’s home matchup against the Brewers.

As the right-hander exited the mound after the top of the first inning, Ashcraft was stopped by first-base umpire John Tumpane for a routine foreign substance check. As Tumpane examined the pitcher’s hands, he observed a silicone wedding band on Ashcraft’s glove hand, and promptly asked him to remove it.

Ashcraft, who married his fiancée Emily in January 2021, could be seen asking Tumpane, “Since when?” as he continued his walk to the dugout.