Go Woo-suk of the Minnesota Twins, slapped with a 10-game suspension for alleged foreign substance use in a Minor League Baseball game, has decided to appeal the ruling.
Go took to social media on Monday to proclaim his innocence in a lengthy post.
Throughout his career, he’s never once considered competing unfairly, Go stated. He’s always believed that integrity is paramount in sports, and that conviction remains unshaken.
He added that even when he struggled in the Minors last season and had to rebuild my career from the ground up, he stuck to his principles. He never compromised the values of the game for personal gain.
On July 25, Go entered as the third pitcher for his team in a home game against the Columbus Clippers at CHS Field in St. Paul, Minnesota. However, he was immediately ejected following the umpire’s foreign substance check, without throwing a single pitch.
Despite Go’s visible distress and attempts to appeal, the umpires stood firm. Two days later, he received a 10-game suspension, retroactive to July 26.
Go contends that the substance found on his glove was not intentionally applied, but rather a result of sweat and rosin buildup.
He’s used this same glove since the World Baseball Classic without any issues, Go explained.
He’s certain it didn’t affect his pitching, he insisted. The substance in question was so hardened that it could only be removed by forcefully scraping the leather. There was no reason to remove it.
Reiterating his innocence, Go announced his intention to appeal through the players’ union to clear his name.
After joining the Twins via trade in 2023, Go made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut on July 10 against Cleveland, following his call-up on July 8.
However, after a rough outing against Cleveland on July 21, where he allowed three runs in one inning, Go was demoted to the Minors. This latest incident further complicates his path back to the big leagues.
If his appeal is unsuccessful and the suspension stands, Go will be eligible to return to action on August 6.