Longtime Former Angels Employee Outs Big MLB Names For Using An Illegal Pitching Substance

A former employee of the Los Angeles Angels has dropped a metaphorical bomb on the MLB, accusing some pretty big names of using an illegal pitching substance that he himself distributed.

The ex-employee, Brian “Bubba” Harkins, was canned by the Angels in March of 2020, and now is looking for justice. In several court papers, Harkins named a number of pitchers who he claims used the illegal substance.

The Los Angeles Times first reported the news, which relates to a few past and present Angels players.

On the list from Los Angeles include Troy Percival, Brendan Donnelly, Tyler Chatwood, Kevin Jepsen and, most recently, Cam Bedrosian, Keynan Middleton, Yusmeiro Petit, Luke Bard, Matt Andriese, Dylan Peters, Jose Suarez and Dylan Bundy.

While the Angels make up a majority of the list, there are also some other big name throwers, including Gerrit Cole, Justin Verlander, Adam Wainwright, Corey Kluber and Felix Hernandez.

The substance reportedly helps pitchers improve their grip on the baseball.

The Times article states that a text message that Cole sent to Harkins asking for help “with this sticky situation” was included in the court papers submitted Thursday.

The Angels canned the 55-year-old last year for distributing the illegal substance as well as making it.

Harkins was with the Angels organization for close to 40 years before being fired. He filed a lawsuit claiming defamation against his old team as well as Major League Baseball back in August.

The former employee felt that the MLB did not want to deal with another scandal after what went down with the Houston Astros and their cheating allegations. Harkins also believes he was canned as a “public scapegoat” for foreign substances.

According to his attorney, the longtime ex-employee is looking to land $4 million if the case goes to trial. A judge will rule January 21st if the case can go forward.