Minnesota Twins minor league pitcher Go Woo-suk has been suspended following allegations of using a foreign substance during a game.
The Minnesota Star Tribune reported on July 27 that Go, playing for the St. Paul Saints, received a 10-game suspension after being ejected for foreign substance use. The suspension is retroactive to July 26.
On July 25, Go entered a home game at CHS Field in St. Paul against the Columbus Clippers (Cleveland Guardians affiliate) as the team’s third pitcher in the top of the seventh inning with the Saints trailing 2-3. However, he was removed from the mound before throwing a single pitch.
As Go approached the mound, the umpire inspected his glove and determined it contained a foreign substance, leading to his ejection.
Despite Go’s visible disbelief and attempts to appeal the decision, the umpires stood firm. His glove was confiscated as evidence.
Major League Baseball has implemented a policy where umpires inspect pitchers’ hands and gloves during games to prevent the use of foreign substances.
If such substances are discovered during an inspection, the pitcher faces immediate ejection and typically receives a 10-game suspension.
Go, who moved to the U.S. in 2024, had been playing exclusively in the minor leagues until joining the Twins via trade. He made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut on July 10 against Cleveland after being called up to the big league roster on July 8.
However, after a rough outing against Cleveland on July 21, where he allowed three runs in one inning, Go was demoted back to the minors. This latest setback with the ejection and suspension further complicates his path back to the majors, casting doubt on his immediate future in the big leagues.