Kershaw: Managers should be punished for failed pitcher checks

Clayton Kershaw believes managers should be reprimanded for requesting umpire checks that fail to find sticky substances on pitchers.

The Los Angeles Dodgers ace's comments come after Washington Nationals right-hander Max Scherzer was checked three times during Tuesday's game.

Philadelphia Phillies manager Joe Girardi asked for the umpires to check Scherzer in the middle of an inning and was later ejected for yelling at the Nationals dugout.

"You know how Girardi called Scherzer out? I think there should be a punishment if they don't catch anything on the guy," Kershaw said. "I think Scherzer, you know, he's one of the best pitchers of our generation, and to see him get checked, I think it was a first and third situation or guys on base, and mess up his rhythm.

"I think he ended getting out of it but you better find something if you're going to call him out like that."

Scherzer blamed commissioner Rob Manfred for mandating the substance checks. The three-time Cy Young winner was visibly upset about the examinations.

MLB is cracking down on illegal substances after not enforcing the rule for years. Umpires can regularly check hurlers, even if the opposing club's skipper doesn't make a request. Players who refuse to be inspected will be ejected from the game and face a 10-game suspension.