MLB confiscates bat used by Astros' outfielder after Yankees manager questions its legality

"After the at-bat, Boone asked the umpires to check the bat used by the 27-year-old because of its "discoloration." Rule 3.02(c) by Major League Baseball bans the usage of a "colored bat in a professional game" unless approved by the league. The crew chief, Adrian Johnson, took the bat and called a review to verify the legality of the discoloration on barrel."

""The bat was worn down a little bit," Espada said. "He uses that bat all the time and I guess they thought it was an illegal bat. "I thought it was ... whatever," he added. Boone said they noticed the color of the bat earlier in the series and brought it up to the league officials on Thursday. "You're not allowed to do anything to your bat," Boone said after the game."

""I feel kind of defensive right now, more so a test of my character, like I'm going to willingly do that," Trammell said. "Just kind of lost on that thing, and if anyone knows me, knows I'm never going to cheat or anything like that." Trammell, who played a couple of games for the Yankees last season, stayed on second base. The Astros later scored a run on a single by designated hitter Yordan Alvarez but the Yankees held on to win the game 8-4."

Yankees manager Aaron Boone questioned the legality of a bat used by Astros outfielder Taylor Trammell after noticing discoloration. Down by five runs in the bottom of the ninth, Houston began a comeback with a single by Victor Caratini and a double by Trammell. Boone asked umpires to examine the 27-year-old's bat, citing MLB Rule 3.02(c) which bans colored bats unless approved. Crew chief Adrian Johnson reviewed the bat; umpires confiscated, authenticated and sent it to the league office for inspection. Astros manager Joe Espada said the bat appeared worn; Trammell denied wrongdoing. The Yankees won 8-4.

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