ATTENDANT ALLEGES DOCTORED BASEBALLS

New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole is among several pitchers accused of receiving a ball-doctoring foreign substance in a lawsuit by a former Los Angeles Angels clubhouse attendant. Brian “Bubba” Harkins was dismissed in March following a nearly four-decade run with the Angels after Major League Baseball told the organization that he was supplying a sticky substance to give pitchers a competitive advantage. The substance reportedly is a specific blend of pine tar and rosin. In August, Harkins filed a lawsuit against the Angels and MLB, accusing both entities of unfairly depicting him as the scapegoat.Per the Los Angeles Times, Harkins alleges MLB has evidence to prove Cole, pictured, Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer have used foreign substances on baseballs. Several former and current Angels hurlers, including Troy Percival, Brendan Donnelly, Kevin Jepsen and Dylan Bundy, were also mentioned by Harkins. MLB and the Angels have yet to comment on the allegations. A Jan. 21 hearing has been scheduled to determine if the case moves forward.