Yankees Rumors: Is Esmil Rogers Violating MLB Rules?

When you’re a pitcher facing a big bad hitter looking to hit the ball a million feet as hard as they can, you don’t exactly have all the time in the world to protect yourself. We’ve seen a lot of scary line drives over the years hit pitchers in the head. Alex Torres has worn a protective cap, and it turns out some players are wearing unapproved kevlar in their caps.

One of them, according to a ESPN report is Yankees right-hander Esmil Rogers and former Yankee pitcher Hector Noesi.

"Vito said his Pennsylvania-based company’s padding will “keep pitchers safe from line drives, but I’m not making any claims about speeds.” Unequal did its own testing, had independent testing done and plans to seek MLB approval, Vito said. But I wanted to keep quiet about it until seeing whether players like it,” Vito said."

MLB is apparently looking into the matter.

"An MLB executive told “Outside the Lines” on Sunday that it was looking into the use of the Dome inserts and was reserving comment. Pitchers are free to wear protective headgear of their choice, as long as it doesn’t interfere with competition or with MLB licensing agreements."

A major part of all sports now is safety. Just ask Roger Goodell. MLB has to do their own study on this, which is understandable. If they are going to put their name on something, they want to make sure it’s done well. That’s okay.

Hopefully MLB doesn’t enact disciplinary action on Rogers, Noesi or any other pitcher who is using it and can get to some sort of agreement to help pitchers who want some added protection in their cap.

More from Yanks Go Yard

• Should Yankees toss short-term extension at Harrison Bader before 2023?
• Yankees chose worst possible player to ring in New Year on 2023 team calendar
• Yankees State of the Farm System Review: Josh Breaux
• Yankees make upside play, sign former Rangers top prospect outfielder
• MLB insider claims favorite emerging in Bryan Reynolds rumors (not Yankees)