Royals pitcher's questionable sleeve didn't help him whatsoever during Yankees' rally

Angel Zerpa of the Kansas City Royals entered Tuesday's contest in relief of Michael Wacha. His goal was to embody Fireman Mode, and to improve upon his 2024 playoff performance at Yankee Stadium, when he allowed a hit and two walks without recording an out in Game 1. If he was looking for improved command - by any means necessary - this time around, he didn't find it.

With the bases loaded and two outs, Zerpa entered slinging fastballs to Austin Wells. After his second pitch - well off the plate - he went to every pitcher's favorite first escape hatch and began to fiddle with his PitchCom. The resulting delay didn't help him catch his breath; Wells walked on four pitches, bringing home the game's first run.

Zerpa's command wasn't off by just a tick; he was significantly out of the zone, and it cost him. Amid his ongoing struggle to get a grip, it wasn't hard to notice that his left throwing sleeve on his powder blue jersey was also significantly discolored.

Just take a look at the Getty Image that headlines this article! There's a palpable brown smudge across the entire shoulder of these beautiful vintage jerseys. Whether intentional or not (very large to be unintentional but, still, benefit of the doubt), it didn't help whatsoever.

KC Royals pitcher Angel Zerpa's questionable brown jersey sleeve couldn't help defeat the Yankees

None of Zerpa's stall tactics did much of anything, either. With a 1-2 count to Jasson Domínguez, in a situation where just one pitch could've ended the frame with a Royals lead, The Martian instead ambushed an inside fastball, helicoptering around and smacking his own helmet fervently as the bases cleared.

Domínguez reportedly lost his contacts in the fray. Zerpa lost his momentum.

Sometimes, desperation breeds unconventional solutions. Zerpa, during spring training, was all but unhittable, allowing two hits in nine shutout innings, striking out nine and walking none. On Tuesday at Yankee Stadium, he couldn't get a grip or stop the train, and it all looked a lot like a familiar (and enjoyable, for Yankee fans) playoff scene. Here's hoping Royals manager Matt Quatraro maintains his trust in Zerpa for one more game, at least.