Overview
- Social media footage from the Red Sox’ Wild Card Game 2 showed a mark on Sonny Gray’s neck that prompted an MLB review of possible use of a sticky or banned substance.
- Reporters say MLB conducted its standard in‑game checks and Gray passed those checks without penalty, and outlets note any discipline would likely have been announced by now.
- Gray was removed after 4.2 innings and 70 pitches in that start, and the Yankees’ 9-2 win completed Boston’s Wild Card sweep.
- Gray publicly expressed frustration about being pulled from the game while manager Chad Tracy accepted responsibility for the quick hook decision.
- The episode adds context to offseason choices about Gray’s future as he nears 37 and faces a $30 million team option with a $10 million buyout that the Red Sox may decline.