Brian “Bubba” Harkins, a former Los Angeles Angels clubhouse staffer, has claimed that star pitchers including Gerrit Cole have intentionally used illegal substances in the past.
On late Thursday evening, the Los Angeles Times came out with an article that detailed a lawsuit against Major league Baseball and the Angels. An attorney submitted evidence to Orange Country Supervisor Court on Thursday claiming that Harkins, who was fired last March, was made the “public scapegoat” for MLB’s attempt to stop the use of foreign substances.
In the article by Mike DiGiovanna, current New York Yankees starter and former Houston Astros ace Gerrit Cole reportedly sent a text to Harkins on Jan. 17, 2019, requesting an illegal substance.
“Hey Bubba, it’s Gerrit Cole,” the text allegedly read. “I was wondering if you could help me out with this sticky situation [winking emoji]. We don’t see you until May, but we have some road games in April that are in cold weather places. The stuff I had last year seizes up when it gets cold.”
According to DiGiovanna, Harkins claims that Major League Baseball has evidence that proves several star pitchers have used illegal substances to get a better grip on the baseball. In addition to Cole, Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer have both been mentioned as culprits in this new situation.
A judge will determine if this case needs to move forward in a Jan. 21 hearing.
It is unclear what will happen as a result of these revelations, but one this is clear. The last thing MLB needs after the Astros’ cheating scandal is another problem involving their star players.
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