WATCH: Cuban starting pitcher Elian Leyva inspected for using suspected banned substances at the mound against Chinese Taipei in WBC 2023

Team Cuba's starting pitcher, Elian Leyva, was investigated by crew officials for suspected banned substances. Baseball has strict rules about certain sticky substances that cannot be used by pitchers when they go to the mound.

MLB mandated new rules in the previous season that stated umpires would be more vigilant in assessing and monitoring sticky substances on a pitcher. The pitcher may be subject to immediate ejection for violating the rules by attempting to conceal a foreign substance.

Elian Leyva was found not guilty of carrying any substances. However, he couldn't pitch any further, retiring from the mound after facing discomfort in his right arm. He pitched a total of 45 times with 22 strikeouts. Team Cuba was off to a flyer racing to a 7-0 lead at the end of the fifth.

If Cuba goes on to win the contest, they will complete their Pool Stage campaign with a 2-2 record and .500 PCT. Their solitary win in the competition thus far has come against Panama in a 13-4 game.

Chinese Taipei, on the other hand, has come back strong after their opening-day loss to Panama. They inflicted defeats on Italy and the much-fancied Netherlands as they look to make it to the second round.

As of now, all 5 teams remain in the hunt to qualify for the quarterfinals. The final game of this Pool will be an evening clash between the two European representatives, Italy and The Netherlands.

Elian Leyva's history in the Atlanta Braves system

Elian Leyva is currently a professional in the Mexican League system. However, during the 2018 and 2019 seasons, he was part of the Atlanta Braves minor league system. He played for the Gwinnet Stripers of the AAA league and posted a 4-3 win-loss record.