Gallen: MLB exec encouraged foreign-substance use while with Marlins

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Zac Gallen says MLB executive Michael Hill encouraged pitchers to use illegal substances while working as the Miami Marlins' general manager, according to Zach Buchanan of The Athletic.

"He was in charge of an organization that was definitely, at one point, saying, 'Hey, you're going to need these things to help you,'" Gallen said Wednesday of Hill.

When asked to expand on his thoughts, Gallen responded: "You can read between the lines."

Gallen added that he won't say anything more about MLB's substance issues until commissioner Rob Manfred speaks about it publicly.

Hill served as the Marlins' top executive from 2008-13 and again from 2016-20. He was hired as MLB's senior vice-president of on-field operations in February, where his jobs include overseeing umpiring and on-field discipline.

While running the Marlins, Hill traded for Gallen in 2017. Two years later, he dealt the right-hander to Arizona for infielder Jazz Chisholm Jr.

Gallen's agent, Scott Boras, went after Hill over the ongoing substance scandal earlier Wednesday.

"As former major-league pitcher Brandon McCarthy suggested, MLB knew (as did all GMs, including Michael Hill) that clubs for years have taught pitchers to use a variety of gripping agents," Boras said, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.

"This was the 'custom and practice' of all MLB teams and the commissioner's office was fully aware their technical rule was ignored by them and all MLB teams."

Hill later denied Gallen's claims.

MLB plans to crack down on pitchers using illegal foreign substances beginning next week. Pitchers who either refuse to be inspected by umpires or are caught using substances will be ejected and suspended for 10 games.