Seoul: The South Korean baseball league has announced that it will enforce mandatory checks for illegal, foreign substances on pitchers' hands starting this year. The Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) has introduced a series of rule changes for the upcoming season, which is set to begin on Saturday, following a meeting of its executive committee on Tuesday.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the new regulations will require starting pitchers to undergo a minimum of two checks during a game, while relief pitchers will face at least one inspection. Previously, checks for sticky substances were only conducted if there was suspicion or upon request by the opposing team. Pitchers found with foreign substances, such as pine tar or sunscreen, will face immediate ejection from the game along with a 10-game suspension.

In addition to the new inspection rules, umpires will now have the authority to correct calls while reviewing a different play during video reviews. This means that if an umpire discovers a ball hitting a batter while reviewing a checked swing, the umpire can correct the call and award first base to the batter.

Furthermore, the KBO plans to introduce the utility position to its annual Fielding Award, similar to Major League Baseball's Gold Glove for utility players. To qualify for this category, a player must have played 540 defensive innings in total and at least 50 innings in a minimum of three different positions.